Easy Homemade Bread Recipe - Bake with Me!

Hi, I’m excited to share with you my tried and tested easy homemade bread recipe. If you’ve always wanted to bake your bread but thought it was too complicated, think again! With this recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious loaf of bread in no time, and the best part? It’s homemade!

Why settle for store-bought bread when you can enjoy the satisfaction of making your own? This easy bread recipe has been perfected over time and has received thousands of positive reviews. It’s the go-to recipe for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

The ingredients are simple and readily available – warm water, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, vegetable or canola oil, and flour. I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process to make sure you get it just right.

Whether you choose to bake your bread in the oven or use a bread machine, the end result will be a soft, chewy loaf with a fantastic flavor. And to top it all off, don’t forget to brush some butter on the crust for an extra touch of goodness!

Key Takeaways:

This easy homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
The ingredients are simple and easily accessible.
You can use this recipe to bake your bread in the oven or with a bread machine.
The end result is a soft, chewy loaf with incredible flavor.
Don’t forget to brush butter on the crust for an extra touch of goodness.

Basic Steps to Making Bread

Making bread at home is a simple process that requires a few key ingredients and some basic steps. Follow these instructions to create delicious homemade bread from scratch.

Activate the yeast: Start by proofing the yeast. In a bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast is foamy and activated.
Mix the ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with salt, vegetable or canola oil, and flour. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and form a sticky dough.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by pushing and folding it with the heel of your hand. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Rise the dough: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
Punch down and shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf or the desired shape. You can also divide the dough into smaller portions to make rolls or buns.
Second rise: Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet or loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes until it’s puffy and has increased in size.
Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature for your bread recipe. Place the risen dough into the preheated oven and bake it until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Use a digital cooking thermometer to check if the inside temperature reaches at least 190°F (88°C).

Now you know the basic steps to making homemade bread. With practice, you’ll become more confident in your bread-making skills and can experiment with different flavors, shapes, and toppings. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen!

Tips for Making Homemade Bread
Tip 1:	Use fresh yeast for optimal rising.
Tip 2:	For quicker rise times, place the dough in a warm oven or use warmer water.
Tip 3:	Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten for better texture.
Tip 4:	Avoid adding too much flour, as it can result in dense bread.
Tip 5:	If your house is cool, use a warm oven for rising to speed up the process.
Tip 6:	Punch down the dough before shaping to release air pockets and ensure a consistent rise.
Tip 7:	Choose the right bread pan, such as ceramic, glass, or cast iron, for even baking.
Tip 8:	Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the bread is fully cooked.
Tip 9:	Allow the bread to cool inverted in the pan to prevent sogginess.
Tip 10:	Experiment with different ingredients, such as herbs, spices, or seeds, to add unique flavors to your bread.

Tips for Making Homemade Bread

If you’re a beginner in bread making, here are some helpful tips to ensure success.

Use Fresh Yeast for Proper Rising

To achieve a well-risen bread, it’s important to use fresh yeast. Fresh yeast is more active and will help your dough rise properly.

Optimize Rise Times

To speed up the rise times, consider placing your dough in a warm oven or using warmer water. This will activate the yeast and help your bread rise quicker.

Knead Thoroughly for Better Texture

Take the time to knead your dough thoroughly. This helps develop gluten, which contributes to a better texture in the final loaf of bread.

Avoid Adding Too Much Flour

It’s important to avoid adding too much flour to your dough, as this can result in dense bread. Add flour gradually until the dough reaches the right consistency.

Utilize a Warm Oven for Rising

If your house is cool, the bread may take longer to rise. To speed up the process, place the dough in a warm oven for rising. This creates an ideal environment for yeast activity.

Punch Down the Dough to Release Air Pockets

Before shaping your loaf, make sure to punch down the dough. This releases any large air pockets and creates a more consistent rise in the oven.

Choose the Right Bread Pan

The choice of bread pan can make a difference in the baking process. Opt for ceramic, glass, or cast iron pans, as they can distribute heat evenly, resulting in a perfectly baked loaf.

Use a Cooking Thermometer

To ensure your bread is fully cooked, use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature. The bread should register around 200°F (93°C) when it’s done.

Cool Inverted to Prevent Sogginess

After baking, remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool inverted. This prevents sogginess by allowing any excess moisture to escape from the bottom of the loaf.

Conclusion

After exploring the process of making homemade bread, it’s clear that this easy bread recipe is a winner. Thousands of bakers have attested to its simplicity and outstanding results, making it a go-to choice for both beginners and experienced bakers. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create loaves of bread that are not only visually pleasing but also incredibly delicious.

Whether you choose to bake the bread in the oven for that rustic touch or use a convenient bread machine, the end result is a soft and flavorful loaf that will surpass any store-bought bread. Imagine the joy of sinking your teeth into a warm slice of freshly baked bread, whether it’s for a hearty sandwich, a crunchy toast, or simply enjoyed on its own.

This homemade bread recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and taste. The dough rises beautifully, resulting in a light and airy texture, while the flavors develop into a truly satisfying experience. It’s the kind of bread that brings families and friends together, complementing any meal or making a statement as a standalone delight.

So why wait? Embrace the wonderful world of baking and embark on your homemade bread-making journey. Prepare to fill your kitchen with the incredible aroma of freshly baked bread, to relish the boundless joy of creating something with your own hands. With this easy homemade bread recipe, you are on your way to becoming a master baker in no time. Savor the simplicity, flavor, and warmth of homemade bread – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQ

Can I make this bread recipe with whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by substituting part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid than all-purpose flour, so you may need to adjust the amount of water or flour slightly.

Can I use a bread machine to make this bread?

Absolutely! This recipe can be made in a bread machine as well. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding the ingredients and selecting the appropriate setting. Enjoy the convenience of homemade bread with minimal effort.

How do I know when the bread is fully cooked?

To ensure your bread is fully cooked, use a digital cooking thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf. The internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C) for a fully cooked bread. This will give you a perfect, moist loaf every time.

Can I make this bread without yeast?

This particular recipe requires yeast to achieve a soft, chewy texture and a beautiful rise. However, if you’re looking for a no-yeast bread recipe, there are plenty of options available. Quick bread recipes, like banana bread or zucchini bread, don’t require yeast and can be a delicious alternative.

How long does it take for the bread to rise?

The rising time can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. On average, the dough will take about 1-2 hours to double in size during the first rise. The second rise after shaping can take another 30 minutes to an hour. If your kitchen is cooler, you may need to allow for additional rising time.

What should I do if my bread turns out dense?

If your bread turns out dense, it’s usually because there was not enough gluten development. To avoid this, make sure to thoroughly knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to activate the gluten. Additionally, be cautious not to add too much flour, as this can also result in a dense loaf.