Name: Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour; 1 ¼ cups warm water (100-110°F / 37-43°C); 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 2 tablespoons sugar or honey; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil

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Introduction

This Easy Homemade Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. Its golden, slightly crisp crust combined with a tender interior makes it ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter and jam. Simple enough for beginners, yet satisfying for experienced bakers.

A close-up view of a soft, golden brown homemade bread loaf with a shiny, slightly crispy top crust and a fluffy, airy inside shown from the side, sitting on a wooden board with a small bowl of butter blurred in the background, and below it, two golden brown bread loaves with slightly wrinkled tops in a gray baking pan held by a woman's hand, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
1 ¼ cups warm water (100-110°F / 37-43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons sugar or honey
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar (or honey) in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Step 2: Add flour, salt, and melted butter (or oil) to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Step 3: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 6: Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute 1 tablespoon of sugar with honey and use melted butter instead of oil.
Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist.
If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour works fine but may yield a slightly softer crust.
To speed up rising, place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot or near a turned-off oven with the light on.
Brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast slices directly from frozen or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows two views of a golden-brown homemade bread loaf. The top part displays a close-up of a single large loaf sliced to reveal the soft, fluffy, white inside with a slightly shiny, textured crust on top. The bread rests on a wooden board with a small dish of butter blurred in the background. The bottom part shows two whole loaves baked side by side in a metal loaf pan, with smooth, shiny golden tops that look soft and slightly puffed. The setting is on a white marbled surface with natural light highlighting the bread’s colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If the dough doesn’t rise, check that your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is between 100-110°F (37-43°C). Too hot or cold water can kill or inhibit the yeast.