Bread Recipe

Bread has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years, offering comfort and nourishment to people across the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, baking bread at home can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious bread recipe that anyone can follow. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

To make a basic loaf of bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups of warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by pouring the warm water into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once the yeast is activated, add the olive oil to the bowl. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough whisk. After adding about half the flour, add the salt. Continue to add the rest of the flour until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the bread dense.

Step 4: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Once the dough has risen, remove the cover and place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 200°F (93°C).

Step 9: Cool the Bread

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for Perfect Bread

• Measure accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid using too much.
• Temperature matters: Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Be patient: Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly for the best texture.
• Experiment: Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, try adding herbs, seeds, or whole grains for different flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Baking bread at home is a delightful and satisfying endeavor. This simple bread recipe is a great starting point for beginners and a reliable go-to for experienced bakers. Enjoy the process and the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. Happy baking!

If you have any questions or want to share your bread-baking experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!