Homemade 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/homemade-freshly-baked-bread-recipe/
