Homemade Bread
Baking homemade bread is a rewarding experience that fills your home with a delightful aroma and results in a warm, crusty loaf that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating delicious bread from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a perfect loaf ready to enjoy with your favorite spreads or alongside a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 1 loaf, serving approximately 8 slices. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a resting time of 1 hour and baking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately:
– Calories: 120
– Protein: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 24g
– Fat: 1g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional information is for one slice of homemade bread.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture.
- Add olive oil if using, and mix until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For gluten-free bread, use a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, honey can replace sugar for a natural sweetness.
Serving and Pairings
Homemade bread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and salads. It’s also perfect for making sandwiches or simply spreading with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads.
Storage and Reheating
Store homemade bread at room temperature in a bread box or wrapped in a cloth for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
- Not letting the dough rise long enough will result in dense bread.
- Over-kneading can make the bread tough.
- Skipping the second rise can lead to flat bread.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately may affect texture and flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Experiment with adding herbs or spices for flavor.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for better texture.
- Brush the loaf with melted butter after baking for a soft crust.
FAQs
How long does homemade bread last?
Homemade bread typically lasts about 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, it’s best to freeze it to maintain freshness.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast without needing to activate it first. Just mix it in with the dry ingredients.
Why is my bread dough sticky?
A sticky dough may indicate too much water or not enough flour. Adjust the flour gradually until the dough is manageable.
Can I add ingredients like nuts or seeds?
Absolutely! Adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits can enhance the flavor and texture of your bread.
What should I do if my bread doesn’t rise?
If your bread doesn’t rise, check that your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was appropriate. Allow more time for rising in a warm environment.
Conclusion
Making homemade bread is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients and some time, you can create delicious loaves that elevate any meal. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of baking your very own bread from scratch.
Homemade Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water about 110°F
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture.
- Add olive oil if using, and mix until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
