The Warmth and Comfort of Freshly Baked Bread at Home
Homemade Bread is one of life’s simplest and most satisfying pleasures. With just a few ingredients, you can create a loaf that fills your home with the irresistible smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. Perfectly golden on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, this homemade bread is ideal for sandwiches, toast, or even enjoyed with butter straight out of the oven.
Homemade bread is a versatile staple for any occasion. Whether it’s for family brunches, holiday gatherings, or a cozy dinner, freshly baked bread is always a hit. It’s a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but also perfect for everyday meals.
How to Make From Scratch
- Mix the Dough: Combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar, and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour, salt, and a little oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1-2 hours).
- Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and transfer it to a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again before baking in a preheated oven until golden brown.
When to Flip
You won’t need to flip this bread, but make sure to rotate the loaf pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
How to Reheat
To reheat homemade bread, simply wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy.
Can You Save the Batter?
There’s no batter in this recipe, but if you have extra dough, you can refrigerate it after the first rise for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can You Freeze?
Yes! After baking, let the bread cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, then stir in the yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add the flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough comes together, then turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Knead: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30-40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Editor’s Note:
For added flavor, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking. This will give the crust a soft, buttery finish. You can also experiment by adding herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
Nutrition Facts (per slice, based on 12 slices):
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
