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Easy Homemade Bread Recipe: Fresh, Soft, and Delicious
There’s something truly magical about baking your own bread at home. The warm aroma filling the kitchen, the golden crust, and the soft, fluffy inside—it’s a simple pleasure that can transform any meal. Best of all, you don’t need to be a professional baker to make it happen. This easy homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners and yields a loaf that’s fresh, tender, and utterly satisfying.
Why Make Bread at Home?
- Freshness: Store-bought bread often contains preservatives and additives to extend shelf life. Homemade bread is pure and fresh.
- Cost-effective: Baking your own bread is cheaper in the long run than buying artisanal loaves.
- Customizable: You can add herbs, seeds, or whole grains to suit your taste.
- Therapeutic: Kneading dough and watching it rise is a relaxing and rewarding experience.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute whole wheat or bread flour)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for softer bread)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
