There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven—it wraps the house in warmth and comfort. This homemade bread recipe is simple, reliable, and produces a beautifully soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or just slathering it with butter straight from the oven, this loaf brings that old-fashioned, made-from-scratch goodness right into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
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1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 tbsp sugar
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2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
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1 ½ tsp salt
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3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (start with 3 cups, add more as needed)
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Instructions:
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Activate the yeast:
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until the top is foamy. -
Mix the dough:
Stir in oil and salt. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. -
Knead:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. -
First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. -
Shape the loaf:
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. -
Second rise:
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until it puffs just above the rim of the pan. -
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. -
Cool:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing (if you can wait that long!). -
Tips:
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For a shiny crust, brush the top with a little melted butter right after baking.
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Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for a flavorful twist.
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This recipe doubles well for two loaves!
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