Easy Bread Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Baking bread from scratch can seem daunting, but with the right recipe and a little patience, anyone can enjoy the satisfaction of pulling a golden loaf out of the oven. This easy homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners, and it requires only a few simple ingredients.

Why Bake Your Own Bread?

Baking your own bread has many benefits:

• Healthier Ingredients: You control what goes into your bread—no preservatives or additives.
• Cost-Effective: Homemade bread is often cheaper than store-bought.
• Therapeutic: The process of kneading dough can be a great stress reliever.
• Delicious: Freshly baked bread tastes far better than anything you can buy.

Ingredients

To get started, you’ll need:

• 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 cup of warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water.
• Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

1. Mix the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the flour mixture.
• Stir until a dough forms.

1. Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
• Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

1. Let the Dough Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides.
• Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

1. Shape the Dough:

• Punch down the dough 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.

1. Second Rise:

• Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

1. Bake the Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
• If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

1. Cool and Enjoy:

• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Check the Water Temperature: Too hot or too cold water can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 110°F to 115°F.
• Be Patient: Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly. Rushing this process can result in dense bread.
• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is not expired for the best results.

Conclusion

Baking bread at home is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With this easy homemade bread recipe, even novice bakers can achieve delicious results. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and enjoy the mouthwatering taste of fresh bread straight from your oven. Happy baking!