If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, this Easy Homemade Bread Recipe is your golden ticket. Simple enough for beginners yet rewarding in every bite, this recipe brings together just a handful of ingredients to create soft, fluffy loaves with a perfectly golden crust. Whether you’re a longtime bread lover or new to baking, this Easy Homemade Bread Recipe promises a delicious, satisfying experience that’s bound to become a household favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to ensuring your bread turns out beautifully. Each one plays an important role: from activating the yeast to developing flavor and structure, these staples are the essence of homemade bread perfection.
- Dry yeast (10g): This is what makes your bread rise, giving it that light and airy texture we’re all after.
- Warm water (1 cup / 200ml): It wakes up the yeast and starts the fermentation process, so make sure it’s pleasantly warm, not hot.
- Flour (6 cups / 720g plus 1 cup / 120g): The backbone of your dough; using good-quality flour ensures the perfect crumb and chewiness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon / 10g): A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Egg yolk (1): Brushed on top, it provides a stunning golden color and subtle richness to the crust.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Mixed with the egg yolk, it helps give the crust a lovely sheen and adds tender moisture.
How to Make Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water and dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves completely. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes until it becomes foamy—this bubbly sign tells you the yeast is alive and kicking, ready to help the dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Create the Starter Dough
Next, stir in 1 cup of flour to your yeast mixture and mix well. Cover it up and allow this starter dough to rest for another 15 minutes. This step begins developing flavor and texture, giving your bread that lovely depth.
Step 3: Prepare and Knead the Dough
Add the remaining 6 cups of flour and a teaspoon of salt into the starter dough. Knead the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, aiming for a soft, smooth dough that isn’t sticky. Kneading is where the magic happens—it activates gluten, which makes your bread wonderfully chewy and elastic.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set it aside in a warm spot. In about an hour, you’ll notice the dough has doubled in size—this is the moment your patience starts paying off!
Step 5: Shape the Loaves
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air pockets. Then divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf shape and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover again and let the dough rise for another 20 minutes to achieve that light, tender crumb inside your bread.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the egg yolk and milk, and brush this mixture over the tops of your loaves for a gorgeous glossy finish. Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a deep golden color. When you tap the bottom of the bread and it sounds hollow, you know it’s perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your fresh homemade bread to cool slightly before slicing. Cooling helps set the crumb and makes slicing cleaner. Then, slice, serve, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite spreads or toppings!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple brush of butter right after baking can elevate the crust’s flavor and softness. For a bit of flair, sprinkle herbs like rosemary or thyme on the egg wash before baking. Toasted sesame seeds or poppy seeds also add crunch and appetizing texture.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, and hearty salads. It’s perfect for dunking into a creamy tomato soup or alongside a fresh garden salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette. It also makes an outstanding base for a classic grilled cheese sandwich or a savory open-faced toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into thick, rustic pieces and serve with a range of colorful dips—think hummus, olive tapenade, or roasted red pepper spread. You could create charming bread bowls by slightly hollowing out the middle, ideal for serving creamy soups and dips right inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover bread in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature to keep the crust crisp and the inside soft. Avoid plastic bags unless you prefer softer crusts, as they tend to trap moisture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your bread fresh longer, slice it first and wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen bread can stay fresh for up to three months, making it super convenient for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Reheating
To enjoy your bread at its best after storage, reheat slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crunch and brings back that warm, just-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used as a substitute. Since it doesn’t require proofing in warm water, you can add it directly to the dry ingredients. Adjust the water temperature accordingly to keep it warm but not hot.
Why did my bread not rise properly?
Common reasons include using water that is too hot or too cold, expired yeast, or insufficient rising time. Make sure the water is warm (not hot) and the dough is placed in a warm environment during rising.
Can I add whole wheat flour or other types of flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or other flours, but keep in mind that whole wheat can make the bread denser, so consider adjusting the hydration or rising times.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Brushing the loaf with egg wash as this recipe suggests helps with browning, but for an even crispier crust, try placing a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam—or bake at a slightly higher temperature for the last few minutes.
Is it necessary to punch down the dough?
Punching down removes large air bubbles and redistributes yeast, sugar, and moisture throughout the dough, which leads to a finer crumb and better texture. Skipping this step can result in a more uneven loaf.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own bread at home is such a joyful, rewarding experience and this Easy Homemade Bread Recipe makes it approachable for anyone willing to give it a try. The ingredients are simple, the steps are straightforward, and the results are utterly delicious. I encourage you to bake these loaves, share the warmth, and enjoy every slice fresh from your oven. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Description
This Easy Homemade Bread recipe guides you through making soft, fluffy loaves with a golden crust. Using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy fresh, warm bread perfect for sandwiches or as a side to any meal.
Ingredients
Yeast Starter
- 1 packet (10g) dry yeast
- 1 cup (200ml) warm water
- 1 cup (120g) flour for mixing
Dough
- 6 cups (720g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (10g) salt
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and dry yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves completely. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Create the starter dough: Add 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture and stir well to form a thick batter. Cover the bowl and allow it to rest for 15 minutes to begin fermentation.
- Make the dough: Add the remaining 6 cups of flour and salt to the starter dough. Knead the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic but is not sticky to the touch.
- First rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size, which should take approximately 1 hour.
- Shape the loaves: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 20 minutes.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the egg yolk and milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the two loaves to promote a shiny, golden crust.
- Bake the bread: Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy fresh or store for later use.
Notes
- Use warm water around 105°F (40°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough sufficiently to develop gluten for better texture.
- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment speeds up fermentation.
- Brushing with egg wash enhances crust color and texture but can be omitted for a matte finish.
- Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent a gummy texture inside.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
