What You’ll Love About This Recipe
There’s something magical about baking your own bread—it’s warm, comforting, and fills your home with an irresistible aroma. This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering a simple yet rewarding experience. You’ll love how easy it is to make with just a few basic ingredients. The soft, chewy texture of the bread will have you reaching for slice after slice. Plus, you’ll feel proud knowing you created something delicious from scratch!
Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. This simple homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners and yields a soft, fluffy loaf that’s delicious on its own or paired with your favorite spreads.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil (or melted butter) to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the 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.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- Verify the water for the yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a crustier loaf, brush the top with water before baking.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Wire rack
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Nutrition
Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Here is an estimate for one slice of homemade bread:
Calories: 80
Total Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 3g
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade bread warm with a generous spread of jam and butter—it’s simple but so satisfying. If I’m craving something heartier, I pair it with a bowl of soup, like tomato or butternut squash, for a cozy meal. Either way, the bread’s crusty exterior and soft center make it perfect for soaking up flavors.
Jam and Butter
When you pull a warm loaf of homemade bread from the oven, slathering it with jam and butter is one of the simplest, most satisfying ways to enjoy it. I love using softened butter—it spreads so easily—and then adding a dollop of my favorite jam, whether it’s strawberry, raspberry, or something more unique like fig. The combo melts into the bread, creating a sweet, creamy bite that’s hard to resist. Sometimes, I’ll even mix the butter and jam together first for an extra smooth spread. It’s a timeless pairing that feels cozy and indulgent every single time.
Soup Pairings
There’s nothing quite like a slice of fresh bread alongside a steaming bowl of soup—it’s the ultimate comfort combo. I love pairing homemade bread with creamy tomato or classic chicken noodle soup—it soaks up the broth perfectly. For something heartier, try it with beef stew or chili; the bread balances the richness. I also enjoy it with minestrone or split pea soup for a cozy meal. When I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll dip it into a spicy Moroccan lentil soup. No matter the season, soup and bread feel like a hug in a bowl, and I can’t get enough of it.
