Homemade Classic Bread Loaves Recipe
Introduction
Making homemade bread loaves is a rewarding and simple way to enjoy fresh, warm bread straight from your oven. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious loaf perfect for sandwiches or alongside your favorite meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Step 6: Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
- Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, slice and freeze it, then toast or warm slices as needed. Reheat the bread in the oven wrapped in foil to restore freshness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same quantity. Mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in water first.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Look for a golden brown crust and tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. This indicates the bread is cooked through.
PrintHomemade Classic Bread Loaves Recipe
This homemade bread loaf recipe offers a simple and classic approach to baking fresh, golden bread at home using basic ingredients. Perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike, the recipe guides you through kneading the dough, allowing it to rise, and baking it to a perfect golden crust with a soft, chewy interior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing to maintain the crumb texture.
Notes
- Use warm water to activate the yeast effectively but avoid water that is too hot as it can kill the yeast.
- For a crustier loaf, place a tray of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Make sure not to skip the resting periods as they are crucial for the bread’s rise and texture.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container or bread box to keep it fresh longer.
Keywords: homemade bread, bread loaf, baking bread, yeast bread, simple bread recipe
