Homemade Bread
This easy homemade bread recipe yields tender, slightly sweet loaves with a crispy crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (105–115 degrees F)
- 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast Use instant yeast with adjustments if preferred.
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar Honey adds flavor; sugar is neutral.
- 2 teaspoons salt Essential for flavor and controlling yeast.
- 2 Tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable) Olive oil for flavor, if preferred.
- 4 – 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour Start with 4 cups, adding more as needed.
Instructions
Proof the yeast
- Pour 2 cups of warm water into a bowl.
- Stir in 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast and a pinch of honey or sugar.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the batter
- Add remaining honey or sugar, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture.
- Mix in 3 cups of flour until you have a loose, sticky batter.
Add more flour
- Gradually add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl.
Knead the dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 6–8 minutes until elastic and smooth.
First rise
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, coat with oil, and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours.
Shape and second rise
- Punch down the dough and divide if making two loaves.
- Shape into logs and place in greased loaf pans.
- Cover and let rise until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30–45 minutes.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350–375°F.
- Bake until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped, about 25–35 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool before slicing.
Notes
Store at room temperature wrapped in a towel. Refrigerate for longer storage but will dry out faster. Frozen bread should be wrapped tightly for best quality.