Homemade Bread
This homemade bread recipe features simple ingredients that yield fresher, tastier bread than store-bought loaves, with a customizable touch for your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour Unbleached flour recommended for beginners.
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast Equivalent to one packet.
- 1.5 cups warm water About 110°F.
- 2 teaspoons salt Can be reduced to 1 teaspoon for lower sodium.
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar Honey is preferred, but sugar is a suitable substitute.
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine warm water with yeast and sweetener in a large bowl.
- Let mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt and 3 cups of flour, stirring until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour until the dough forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Cooking
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf.
- Place in a greased 9×5 loaf pan and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
For serving, slice warm bread and serve with butter. For added presentation, brush with melted butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt.