Homemade Bread

Every time I bake this Homemade Bread, I’m transported back to my childhood, to those comforting days in the kitchen with my grandmother. The smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house was like a warm hug on a cold morning. I still remember the look of satisfaction on her face as she pulled a perfectly golden loaf from the oven, knowing that her family would soon gather around the table, eager to share in her labor of love. There’s something magical about bread—it’s a symbol of comfort, home, and togetherness.

I know that once you start making this recipe, you’ll fall in love with the process too. It’s simple, rewarding, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of slicing into a loaf you’ve made from scratch. The smell, the taste, and the satisfaction of knowing you created something so wholesome and nourishing with your own two hands—it’s truly an experience like no other. And don’t worry if you’ve never made bread before; I’ll walk you through every step. By the end, you’ll be baking bread like a pro, and trust me, your family will be asking for more!

How to Make Homemade Bread

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started on your homemade bread journey. These simple ingredients come together to create the most delicious, soft, and fluffy bread you’ve ever had. If you’ve got them on hand, you’re halfway there!

IngredientAmount
Warm water2 cups
Sugar3 tablespoons
Active dry yeast1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons)
Vegetable oil1/4 cup
Salt1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour5-6 cups
Optional: flour for dusting and oil for greasingAs needed

Personal note: I love adding a touch of whole wheat flour to the mix for extra heartiness, but feel free to stick with all-purpose flour for a classic, fluffy loaf. And don’t skimp on the yeast—it’s what gives the bread that perfect rise and flavor!

Cooking Steps

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get started! I promise, this bread recipe is easier than you think, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making it on a regular basis.

1. Activate the yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir it gently, then let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is ready when it turns frothy. This step is crucial—if your yeast isn’t active, your bread won’t rise properly. Trust me, I’ve been there before!

2. Mix in the oil and salt

Once your yeast is activated, add the vegetable oil and salt. This combination gives the bread its flavor and helps keep it tender. Sometimes I use olive oil for a richer taste, but vegetable oil works great too.

3. Add the flour, gradually

Now comes the fun part—adding the flour. Start with 1 cup at a time, mixing it in until you have a soft dough that’s just a bit sticky. The amount of flour you need might vary depending on the humidity in your kitchen, so don’t worry if you need a little more or less. I always keep a little extra flour on hand for dusting and kneading!

4. Knead the dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll want to work it until it’s smooth and elastic—this is what gives the bread its chewy texture. Kneading can be therapeutic; take your time and enjoy the process!

5. Let the dough rise

Place your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. It should double in size, which is always a satisfying sight! If it’s a chilly day, I like to put the bowl in my oven with just the oven light on—it creates the perfect warm environment for rising.

6. Preheat your oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven to the right temperature is key for that perfectly golden crust!

7. Punch down the dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. This step helps ensure an even texture throughout your loaf.

8. Shape the loaves

Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape them into loaves. Place each loaf into a greased bread pan, making sure they fit snugly. I always love this step—it’s where your dough really starts to look like bread!

9. Let the loaves rise again

Cover the loaves with your towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size. This second rise is what gives your bread that light, airy texture.

10. Bake

Bake your loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when you tap it. This is my favorite part—the smell of fresh bread filling the kitchen is simply heavenly!

11. Cool and enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pans for a few minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with butter, jam, or just as is!

Why I Love Making This Dish

This bread has become a staple in my home, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of the simple joys of homemade food. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a loaf of golden bread from the oven, knowing that it was made with love and care. Plus, the smell alone is enough to make anyone’s day brighter! Baking bread from scratch is an act of love, and I know you’ll feel the same once you give it a try.

Tips for Perfect Results

  • Temperature matters: Make sure your water is warm but not too hot when activating the yeast—around 110°F is perfect.
  • Knead with care: Take your time kneading the dough. It’s what gives the bread its wonderful texture.
  • Watch the rise: If your kitchen is chilly, find a warm spot for the dough to rise. The oven with the light on is a great trick!

Serving Suggestions and Sides

This bread pairs beautifully with just about anything! Serve it warm with a spread of butter or alongside a hearty soup for a comforting meal. I also love using it for sandwiches—it holds up well and adds a homemade touch to any lunch!

Leftovers

If you have any leftover bread (though it rarely lasts long in my house!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

FAQ

Can I use a bread machine? Yes, you can! Just follow the same steps, but let your bread machine do the kneading and rising for you.

Can I make this gluten-free? I haven’t tried a gluten-free version myself, but I’ve heard that using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute can work well. Just be sure to check the texture of the dough as you go!

What if my bread doesn’t rise? If your bread doesn’t rise, your yeast might be expired or the water might have been too hot or too cold. Don’t give up! Try again with fresh yeast and warm water.

Conclusion

This homemade bread recipe has become a favorite in my house, and I can’t wait for you to try it. There’s something so rewarding about baking bread from scratch, and I know you’ll feel the same way once you pull your own loaves from the oven. It’s a simple recipe, but the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Let me know how it turns out, and if your family is anything like mine, they’ll be asking for seconds in no time!

Leave a Comment