traditional homemade bread

Traditional Homemade Bread is a comforting, simple recipe that results in a soft, flavorful loaf. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread in the house. Here’s a basic recipe to make your own homemade bread from scratch!

Traditional Homemade Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1 tablespoon honey or more sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Prepare the dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture, along with the olive oil (and honey, if using).

   • Stir everything together until the dough begins to form, and then knead it in the bowl for about 2 minutes to bring it together.

3. Knead the dough:

   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle it with a little more flour as needed.

4. First rise:

   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shape the dough:

   • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding in the edges and rolling it tightly. You can also form it into a round boule if you prefer a rustic look.

6. Second rise:

   • Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan (or on a parchment-lined baking sheet for a round loaf). Cover it with a towel and let it rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until it puffs up and has risen about 1-2 inches above the top of the pan.

7. Preheat the oven:

   • While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. Bake:

   • Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes for a standard loaf. The bread should be golden brown on top and make a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

9. Cool:

   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve:

• Once cooled, slice and enjoy! This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just with a bit of butter.

Tips:

• Flavor variations: You can add herbs, seeds, or a tablespoon of butter or milk for a richer taste.

• Make ahead: You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise, then shape and bake it the next day. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before the second rise.

• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

This Traditional Homemade Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. It’s a great recipe for beginners and a comforting homemade treat!