Homemade Freshly Baked Bread Recipe
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm, golden loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with butter. This easy recipe brings homemade bread within everyone’s reach.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Step 2: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Step 6: Let the dough rise again for 30 minutes while the oven heats.
- Step 7: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For a softer crust, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Adding 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey can help activate the yeast faster and add a subtle sweetness.
Storage
Store your bread in a paper or cloth bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crustiness. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To refresh frozen bread, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Your yeast may be inactive. Make sure your water is warm but not hot, and check the expiration date on your yeast. Using fresh, active yeast and the right water temperature helps ensure proper rising.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour can be used and will produce a chewier texture with more gluten development, which some bakers prefer for a heartier loaf.
PrintHomemade Freshly Baked Bread Recipe
This freshly baked bread recipe delivers a classic, golden-brown loaf with a soft interior and crisp crust. Made from simple ingredients—flour, yeast, water, and salt—this homemade bread is perfect for any meal, offering comforting flavors and a delightful texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 medium loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Then add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Knead the Dough: Mix the ingredients until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also knead with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 6-7 minutes.
- First Proof: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet or inside a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
- Second Proof: Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it puffs up.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the crumb and prevents sogginess.
Notes
- Use warm water—too hot can kill the yeast, too cold will slow fermentation.
- Kneading develops gluten which gives bread its structure and chewiness.
- Allowing the dough to proof twice improves texture and flavor.
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
- Store the bread wrapped in a cloth or bread bag to maintain freshness.
Keywords: fresh bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, classic bread recipe, easy bread
