If you have ever dreamed of filling your kitchen with the warm, irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, this Easy Homemade Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple yet rewarding endeavor that turns basic pantry staples into soft, golden loaves with a perfectly crisp crust. Whether you’re new to baking or looking to perfect your bread-making skills, this recipe offers a wonderful way to bring the joy of homemade bread right into your home, making every bite a comforting delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Homemade Bread Recipe plays a vital role in creating that mouthwatering texture and flavor you crave. They’re straightforward and easy to find but combined, they produce loaves of bread that rival anything from a bakery.
- Dry yeast (10g): The magical agent that helps your dough rise and become soft and airy.
- Warm water (1 cup/200ml): Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough for a tender crumb.
- Flour (6 cups/720g plus 1 cup/120g): The foundation of the bread; choosing a good quality flour provides excellent structure and texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon/10g): Enhances the flavor and controls yeast activity for balanced fermentation.
- Egg yolk (1): Adds richness and helps create a lovely golden crust.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Works with the egg yolk to give the bread a shiny, appealing finish.
How to Make Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
First things first, combine the warm water and dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves completely, then let it sit until it becomes foamy, about 15 minutes. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast and ensures it’s alive and ready to do its magic in your dough.
Step 2: Make a starter dough
Next, stir 1 cup of flour into your bubbly yeast mixture to create a starter dough. Cover it with a clean cloth and allow it to rest for another 15 minutes. This resting period helps build the gluten structure and gives your bread an excellent rise later on.
Step 3: Knead the dough
After your starter dough has rested, add the remaining 6 cups of flour and salt. Knead this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes until your dough turns soft but isn’t sticky. Kneading is where the dough starts to develop elasticity and strength, which is essential for a light, fluffy loaf.
Step 4: First rise
Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it. Set it aside in a warm place to rise until it doubles in size, usually about an hour. This first rise is where all the flavors build and your dough transforms into something airy and ready for shaping.
Step 5: Shape and second rise
Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release trapped air. Divide it into two equal parts, shaping each into a loaf. Place them on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again for about 20 minutes. This final rise sets the stage for a soft interior and beautiful loaf shape.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the egg yolk and milk, then brush this glaze on top of your loaves. This simple step will give your bread an inviting golden color and a slight shine. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when gently tapped.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Patience is a virtue here—let your freshly baked bread cool slightly before slicing. This allows the crumb to set nicely and prevents it from becoming gummy. Then, dig in and savor the fulfillment of making your own Easy Homemade Bread Recipe!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread is delicious all on its own, simple garnishes like a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds before baking can add extra flavor and texture. You might also enjoy a light spread of butter or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil alongside a few flaky sea salts for that rustic touch.
Side Dishes
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty soups, creamy stews, or fresh salads. It acts as a perfect vehicle for soaking up sauces and adds a satisfying crunch to any meal, making your dining experience even more delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it, then topping with avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes or fresh herbs for an irresistible snack. You can also hollow out a loaf to create an edible bread bowl for dips or chili, creating a fun and impressive centerpiece for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bread from your Easy Homemade Bread Recipe can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep that fresh-baked softness.
Freezing
If you want to keep your homemade bread longer, freezing is your best friend. Wrap loaves tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This freezes the bread for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen bread, thaw it at room temperature and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This gently restores the crust’s crispness and warms the crumb, recreating the just-out-of-the-oven magic of your Easy Homemade Bread Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be used in place of dry yeast. Just reduce the initial warm water slightly and you won’t need to proof it separately because it activates faster.
What if my dough is too sticky when kneading?
Adding a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, while kneading should help manage stickiness. Be careful not to add too much, as that can make the bread dense.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A golden-brown crust that sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom is a good indicator. Also, an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) means it’s perfectly baked.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can! Simply omit the egg yolk or replace it with a vegan butter or plant-based milk glaze for brushing, which still gives a nice crust.
How long does the entire process take?
From start to finish, including rising and baking, this Easy Homemade Bread Recipe takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, but most of the time is hands-off, letting the dough rise and bake beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own bread is such a rewarding experience, and this Easy Homemade Bread Recipe makes it feel totally doable and joyful. The smell, the taste, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from simple ingredients is pure magic. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and fall in love with homemade bread all over again!
Print
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 medium-sized loaves
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for beginners looking to bake fresh, soft bread at home. Featuring a simple method with basic ingredients like yeast, flour, and salt, the bread develops a crisp golden crust and a tender crumb. Ideal for sandwiches or to accompany any meal, this recipe guides you through each step from activating yeast to the final bake.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 1 packet (10g) dry yeast
- 1 cup (200ml) warm water
Dough
- 6 cups (720g) all-purpose flour, plus 1 cup (120g) for starter dough
- 1 teaspoon (10g) salt
Glaze
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and dry yeast. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves. Let it sit for about 15 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make a starter dough: Add 1 cup of flour to the foamy yeast mixture. Stir well to combine, cover the bowl, and let it rest for 15 minutes to begin fermentation.
- Knead the dough: To the starter dough, add the remaining 6 cups of flour and salt. Knead the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the dough is soft, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and second rise: Punch down the risen dough to release the gas. Divide it evenly into two portions, shape each into a loaf, and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover and allow them to rise again for 20 minutes.
- Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the loaves with a mixture of egg yolk and milk to give a shiny golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the loaves turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your fresh homemade bread warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use warm water, not hot, to activate yeast properly without killing it—around 110°F (43°C) is ideal.
- Ensure the dough is kneaded enough to develop gluten, which gives the bread structure and chewiness.
- For a softer crust, brush the bread with butter right after baking.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic or an airtight container to keep freshness.
