home made bread

Making homemade bread is a rewarding and delicious experience! Here’s a simple recipe for a classic white bread:

Homemade White Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a dough begins to form.
4. Knead the Dough:
   • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
5. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Loaf:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
7. Second Rise:
   • Place the shaped dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until it rises above the rim of the pan.
8. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the Bread:
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool:
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Once cooled, slice your homemade bread and enjoy it fresh! It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just with a bit of butter. Happy baking!