Description
This is the only bread recipe you’ll ever need! Soft, fluffy, and with a golden crust, this homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or simply enjoying with butter. Made with just a few basic ingredients, it’s the easiest way to make fresh, warm bread at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently, then let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy (this means the yeast is activated). - Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until the dough comes together. - Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour, but be careful not to add too much. - Let the Dough Rise:
Grease a large bowl with a little oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. - Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding in the edges and rolling it up tightly. - Second Rise:
Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan. - Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove it and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Brush with melted butter, if desired, for extra softness and flavor.
Notes
- For an extra soft texture, replace some of the water with milk (about 1/2 cup of milk to 1/2 cup of water).
- You can also add herbs or garlic to the dough for a savory twist.
- For a crispier crust, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet instead of in a pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg