Homemade Bread Recipe
There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. With this homemade bread recipe, you can experience the joy of creating your own delicious loaf from scratch. From the satisfaction of kneading the dough to the anticipation of that first warm slice, baking bread is a timeless culinary tradition. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating a golden, crusty loaf that will delight your senses and impress your family and friends
Benefits of Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in bread—flour, water, yeast, and salt—offer more than just the foundation for a tasty loaf. Whole wheat flour provides a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium and manganese. It may aid digestion, support heart health, and help regulate blood sugar levels. Yeast, a leavening agent, is a source of B vitamins and can contribute to a healthy immune system. Salt, while added in small amounts, enhances the flavor of the bread and plays a role in regulating hydration and yeast activity.
Ingredients
To create this homemade bread, gather the following ingredients:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cups warm water
Directions:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt.
• Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
• Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
• Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, cover it with the kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the dough is rising.
• Once the dough has risen again, slash the top with a sharp knife and place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes:
• Experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or bread flour, to customize the flavor and texture of your bread.
• For a crustier loaf, you can place a shallow pan of water in the bottom of the oven while baking.
• Enjoy the freshly baked bread on its own, with butter, or as a complement to soups, stews, and sandwiches.
• Store the cooled bread in a plastic bag or airtight container to maintain its freshness.
