Homemade Bread
A delightful and rewarding experience of baking fresh bread at home.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Loaf pan
- oven
- wire rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3.25 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure and helps the bread rise.
- 2.25 teaspoons Instant Yeast Makes the bread rise.
- 1 tablespoon Sugar Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.
- 1.25 cups Warm Water Activates the yeast.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds moisture and richness.
Optional Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs For flavor enhancement.
- 1 cup Cheese Shredded, for savory flavor.
- 1 cup Dried Fruits For sweetness.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Baking homemade bread can be a rewarding experience, but avoid common mistakes like using old yeast or not measuring ingredients accurately.