Description
Hearty homemade bread emerges as a comforting culinary companion for home cooks seeking simple satisfaction. Warm slices invite sharing and create memorable moments around kitchen tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.5 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
- 1 packet (2.25 tsp/7 g) instant yeast
- 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk (for brushing, optional)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle yeast, and let foam develop for 5-10 minutes (skip if using instant yeast).
- Dry Ingredient Preparation: Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a foundational base for the bread.
- Dough Formation: Merge activated yeast, melted butter, and warm liquid, mixing until a cohesive, rough-textured dough forms.
- Kneading Process: Work the dough on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook, developing a smooth, elastic texture for 8-10 minutes.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rest in a warm spot until volume doubles (1-2 hours).
- Shaping and Second Rise: Deflate dough, shape into a loaf, place in a greased 9×5-inch pan, and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), then brush loaf surface with milk for a golden finish.
- Baking: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread achieves a rich amber color and produces a hollow sound when tapped.
- Cooling: Rest bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Master Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it, creating optimal rising conditions.
- Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten structure by stretching and folding dough thoroughly, which creates better bread texture and prevents dense results.
- Control Rising Environment: Place dough in warm, draft-free spot around 80-85°F for ideal proofing, using a slightly heated oven or sunny window as perfect rising location.
- Customize Bread Variations: Experiment with adding herbs, seeds, or whole wheat flour to transform basic recipe while maintaining core bread-making techniques.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg