Description
This Easy Homemade Bread is soft, fluffy, and incredibly simple to make! With just six basic ingredients, you’ll have a golden, bakery-style loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this foolproof recipe guarantees delicious results every time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the yeast – In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the dough – Add salt, flour, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead – Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf – Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place in a greased pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool and serve – Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
- For extra flavor, brush the crust with melted butter right after baking.
- To make whole wheat bread, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Store in an airtight bag at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 120
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade bread, easy bread recipe, soft bread, beginner bread, no mixer bread, quick bread recipe