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Easy Homemade Bread with a tender and fluffy crumb and golden crust, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter and jam.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (9x5 inch) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (100-110°F / 37-43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast – Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar or honey in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foam appears.
  2. Mix the Dough – Add flour, salt, and melted butter or oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough – Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Using a stand mixer, knead with dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
  4. First Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Dough – Punch down to release air, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  6. Second Rise – Cover and let dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  8. Cool & Serve – Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Bread flour gives more chewiness; all-purpose flour yields a softer crumb; choose based on preference., Use fresh yeast and proof it properly to ensure risen bread., Use kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement to avoid dense or dry bread., Knead the dough adequately to develop gluten, but avoid over-kneading., Allow dough to rise fully twice until doubled in size for light, airy bread., Brushing with melted butter after baking adds a soft crust and richer flavor., Store bread wrapped in a kitchen towel or bread box for 2-3 days at room temperature; avoid plastic wrap to keep crust crisp., Freeze sliced bread in freezer bags for up to 3 months; toast or warm before serving.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: Approximately 120 calories per slice (depending on slice size and ingredients)
  • Fat: Approximately 3g per slice
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 22g per slice
  • Protein: Approximately 4g per slice