Traditional Homemade Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 10
★★★★★
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If the thought of warm, freshly baked bread makes your heart flutter, you're in the right place. This traditional homemade bread recipe is a simple yet rewarding way to bring the comforts of a bakery into your own kitchen. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, it's all about that soft, chewy texture and irresistible aroma.

Ingredients for Traditional Homemade Bread

Flour: The backbone of your bread, providing structure. All-purpose flour works perfectly for a good balance of chewiness and fluffiness.

Salt: Enhances the flavor and controls yeast activity, giving your bread a nice rise without going overboard.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping your dough rise, and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salt.

Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the bread rise, creating that airy texture we're after.

Warm water: Activates the yeast. Make sure it’s just warm (like a bath), not hot, to keep the yeast alive.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor, making the bread tender and delicious.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always check your yeast's expiration date for the best rise.
  • If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a slightly warm oven to rise.
  • For a crusty top, brush the loaves with water just before baking.
  • Store extra bread in an airtight container or freeze for later use.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is perfect for making gourmet sandwiches or as a side to a hearty soup. Try it toasted with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple, but satisfying snack. Or, make cinnamon toast for a sweet treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it's done. You can also use a thermometer — the internal temperature should be around 190°F.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
Double-check your yeast's expiration date and ensure the water wasn't too hot. Try letting it rise in a warmer spot.

Traditional Homemade Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl and pouring in your warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over it, followed by the sugar. Give it a gentle stir. Now, let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it's frothy and bubbly — a sign that your yeast is alive and kicking.

Next, add the melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir it up until it starts looking like a dough. It might be a bit sticky, but that's okay! Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, and start kneading. You can do this right in the bowl or on a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until your dough is smooth and elastic.

Once your dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and find a cozy spot for it to rise. A warm kitchen corner or inside a turned-off oven works wonders. Let it rise until it's doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Time to punch down that dough! Give it a good punch to release the air, then divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased 9x5-inch loaf pans. Cover them again and let them rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once ready, bake those beautiful loaves for 25-30 minutes. They should be golden brown and sound hollow when you tap them. Let them cool on a wire rack before slicing in — if you can wait!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Achieve bakery-quality bread with minimal effort.
  • Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathering with butter.
  • No fancy equipment required — just your hands and an oven.
  • Customizable: add herbs, cheese, or seeds for variety.
  • Great for freezing, so you can enjoy fresh bread anytime.

Ingredients

5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 packets active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110°F)
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, kneading continuously until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
5. Punch down the dough, then divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a loaf and place in greased 9x5-inch loaf pans.
6. Cover again and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
8. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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