What You’ll Love About This Recipe
There’s something magical about baking your own bread, and this recipe makes it easier than you’d think. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. You’ll love how soft and fluffy the bread turns out, every time. It fills your kitchen with a comforting, warm aroma that feels like a hug. Plus, there’s no better feeling than slicing into a loaf you made yourself.
Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own bread at home. This simple recipe yields a soft, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create a homemade bread that rivals any bakery’s.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the salt, olive oil (or melted butter), and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- Guarantee the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For a softer crust, brush the loaf with butter after baking.
Equipment:
Mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, loaf pan, damp cloth, wire rack
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Cuisine:
Baking
Serving:
1 loaf (approximately 10–12 slices)
Nutrition
This homemade bread recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love slathering my homemade bread with creamy butter and sweet jam—it’s a classic combo that never disappoints. If I’m craving something heartier, I pair it with a warm bowl of soup, like tomato or butternut squash, for the perfect comfort meal. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong when you’ve got freshly baked bread on the table!
Butter and Jam
After baking a warm loaf of homemade bread, I can’t wait to slather it with butter and jam—it’s the perfect pairing that turns a simple slice into something special. I love using softened butter; it spreads so easily and melts into the bread’s crevices. For jam, I’ll grab whatever’s in season, like strawberry in summer or spiced apple in fall. Sometimes, I’ll mix it up with apricot or raspberry for a tangy twist. Watching the butter glisten and the jam glisten, I feel like I’ve created a little piece of comfort. It’s simple, but it always hits the spot.
Soup Pairings
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing cozier than pairing freshly baked bread with a steaming bowl of soup. I love dipping crusty slices into creamy tomato soup or a hearty chicken noodle. For something richer, try French onion soup with melted cheese—it’s a classic combo. A warm minestrone packed with veggies feels like a hug in a bowl, especially with a side of bread. Even a simple butternut squash soup becomes something special when you’ve got fresh bread to mop it up. It’s all about that perfect balance—warming, filling, and oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, it’s comfort food at its best.
