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Homemade Bread

This easy homemade bread recipe is perfect for busy kitchen adventures, delivering warm and inviting loaves that impress family and friends.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Homemade
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Plus a little extra for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar For a touch of sweetness
  • 1.5 cups warm water Think baby-bath warm
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Optional, but adds richness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
  2. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then stir until it forms a shaggy dough.
  3. Dust your countertop with flour, turn the dough out onto it, and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Rising
  1. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until it doubles in size.
  2. After it has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a loaf by flattening into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly.
  3. Place the loaf seam-side down in a greased loaf pan, cover again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. While the dough is in its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. After the second rise, bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  3. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Notes

If your bread doesn’t look perfect, don’t worry! Consider sprinkling seeds or herbs on top before baking for extra flair. If it gets too golden, cover with foil towards the end of baking.