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Homemade Classic Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 562 reviews
  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 loaves (9x5 inch each) 1x

Description

This homemade bread recipe yields soft, fluffy, and golden loaves with a slightly sweet taste thanks to honey or sugar. Made using simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward kneading and rising process, it’s perfect for beginners wanting fresh bread at home. The bread is baked in loaf pans to achieve a classic shape, making it ideal for sandwiches or toast.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water (105-115°F) (474g)
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar (85g honey or 50g sugar)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable) (30 ml)
  • 4 – 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (500g-688g)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, and a small pinch of the sugar or honey. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, ensuring the yeast is active.
  2. Mix main ingredients: Add the remaining sugar or honey, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
  3. Add additional flour: Add another cup of flour and mix. Then, with the mixer running, add more flour ½ cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides and is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky but manageable. Add a bit more flour if needed.
  4. Knead the dough: Knead the dough using a stand mixer on medium speed for 4-5 minutes or by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray. Place the dough inside and turn it to coat all sides. Cover with a dish towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 ½ hours.
  6. Prepare baking pans: Spray two 9×5-inch bread pans generously with cooking spray on all sides. Optionally, line the bottom with parchment paper.
  7. Shape the loaves: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide it equally into two portions. Shape each into a long log and place in the prepared pans.
  8. Second rise: Cover the pans loosely with a dry dish towel or greased plastic wrap. Let the dough rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour until it has risen about 1 inch above the pans.
  9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30-33 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Tap the top gently; it should sound hollow when done.
  10. Cool and finish: Remove the loaves from the pans onto a wire rack. Brush the tops with butter and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  11. Storage: Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is between 105-115°F for proper yeast activation.
  • If yeast does not foam during proofing, start over with fresh yeast.
  • Use bread flour for a chewier texture, or all-purpose flour for a softer crumb.
  • Honey adds a slightly richer flavor than sugar but both work well.
  • Line pans with parchment paper for easier loaf removal.
  • Brush loaves with butter for a softer crust and richer flavor.
  • Store bread properly to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 33 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade bread, yeast bread, soft bread, easy bread recipe, baking bread at home, classic loaf

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Find it online: https://tastyadventureguide.com/homemade-classic-bread-recipe/