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Homemade Classic Bread Loaves Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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