Homemade Bread

Description

Homemade bread is the epitome of comfort food. This soft, fluffy loaf with a golden, crispy crust is perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or enjoying with a bit of butter. Made with just a few basic ingredients, it’s easy to bake and fills your home with an irresistible aroma. There’s nothing quite like fresh bread straight from the oven!

Origin

Bread has been a staple food for thousands of years, with roots in ancient civilizations. Homemade bread offers the opportunity to create a simple yet delicious version of this timeless comfort food, often without the preservatives and additives found in store-bought loaves.

Ingredients Quantity

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients Optional

• 1 tablespoon honey (for added sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for a richer texture)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing the top)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or dried herbs (for flavor variations)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough to release the air. Transfer it to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and shape it to fit the pan.
6. Second Rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the top of the pan.
7. Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the water is not too hot when activating the yeast, as it can kill the yeast. Aim for 110°F (45°C).
• If the dough is too sticky to knead, add small amounts of flour as needed.
• For a shiny crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter or olive oil right after baking.
• For extra flavor, try adding seeds (like sunflower or sesame) on top of the dough before baking.

Recommendations

• Serve with homemade jams, butter, or your favorite cheese.
• Use this bread for making hearty sandwiches or toast.
• Store in an airtight container or breadbox for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices and toast them when needed.

Nutrition (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

Would you like to try a whole wheat or no-knead version of the bread?