my classic homemade bread recipe that’s simple, soft, and
delicious!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose our (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently
and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
This means the yeast is active.
Step 2: Make the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of flour and salt. Add
the yeast mixture and olive oil.
2. Stir with a spoon or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until the
dough starts to come together. Gradually add more flour, 1
tablespoon at a time, until the dough is slightly sticky but pulls
away from the bowl’s sides.
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Step 3: Knead the Dough
1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10
minutes (or 5–6 minutes if using a mixer) until it’s smooth and
elastic.
2. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in small amounts of flour as
needed, but avoid adding too much, as this can make the bread
dense.
Step 4: First Rise
1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning
once to coat the dough.
2. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2
hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
1. Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then turn it onto a
lightly floured surface.
2. Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and
rolling it up tightly from the short end.
3. Place the dough seam-side down in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
1. Cover with a towel again and let the dough rise in a warm spot for
another 30–45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 7: Bake
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when
tapped on the bottom. If the top browns too quickly, you can
loosely tent it with aluminum foil in the last 10 minutes.
3. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10
minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
• Warm Spot for Rising: If your kitchen is cold, you can place
the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm
appliance.
• Check for Doneness: You can also check if the bread is done
by using a thermometer; it should read about 190°F (88°C) in
the center.
• Variations: Feel free to add mix-ins like herbs, shredded
cheese, or seeds to the dough for extra avor.
Enjoy your fresh homemade bread!
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