Homemade Classic Bread Recipe

Introduction

Making bread at home is both rewarding and delicious. This homemade bread recipe yields a soft, flavorful loaf with a golden crust—perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter.

Ingredients

• 1 Egg
• 4 tablespoons Butter
• 6 1/2 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 packages Instant Dry Yeast
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Salt
• 1 pinch Granulated Sugar
• 1 1/2 cups Water
• Olive Oil, as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant dry yeast, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
2. Step 2: Add the egg to the flour mixture and set aside.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter gently over low heat until just melted, then add it to the bowl.
4. Step 4: Pour in the water and mix the ingredients gently, folding the flour into the wet ingredients to combine everything thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Cover the dough with a clean dish towel and let it rise for 30 to 60 minutes until it has noticeably expanded.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C).
7. Step 7: Sprinkle some flour on top of the dough to prevent sticking, then begin kneading. Add more flour as necessary to keep the dough from sticking to your hands. Use a little olive oil on your hands if the dough feels too tacky.
8. Step 8: Shape the dough into a round lump and place it on a pan lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to pierce several holes on the top to help it bake evenly.
9. Step 9: Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour once more, then place it in the preheated oven.
10. Step 10: Bake for 50 minutes until the bread is golden and cooked through.
11. Step 11: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the water with milk or add a teaspoon of honey to the dough.
• Allowing the dough to rise for the full hour will give you a lighter, airier bread.
• Try adding herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for additional taste.
• If you prefer a crustier loaf, place a shallow pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant dry yeast?

Yes, but you will need to activate active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the flour. Use about twice the amount called for instant yeast.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour gradually while kneading. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a small amount of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Homemade Classic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 123 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 large loaf (approximately 12 slices) 1x

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Description

This homemade bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or as a side to any meal. The use of instant dry yeast ensures a quick rise, while the combination of butter and olive oil adds richness and prevents sticking during kneading. Enjoy fresh, warm bread straight from your oven with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 6 1/2 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 packages Instant Dry Yeast
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Salt
• 1 pinch Granulated Sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 1 Egg
• 4 tablespoons Butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups Water
• Olive Oil (as needed for kneading)

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Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 6 1/2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 2 packages of instant dry yeast, 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt, and a pinch of granulated sugar until well combined.
2. Add Egg: Crack and add one egg to the flour mixture, ensuring it is incorporated evenly.
3. Melt Butter: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat for a few seconds and add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.
4. Add Water: Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water to the mixture to bind the dough.
5. Mix Ingredients: Gently fold the flour into the wet ingredients until everything is well mixed but not overworked.
6. Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and allow the dough to rise for 30 to 60 minutes until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 410°F (210°C) to ensure it is hot and ready when the dough is prepared.
8. Prepare Dough for Kneading: Sprinkle flour on top of the risen dough to prevent sticking and begin kneading it.
9. Knead Dough: Knead the dough until it is no longer sticky, adding additional flour as needed. Use olive oil on your hands to prevent the dough from sticking excessively.
10. Shape Dough: Transfer the dough onto a parchment-lined baking pan and shape it into a smooth lump. Use a fork to pierce several holes on top for even baking.
11. Bake Bread: Sprinkle a little more flour on top and bake in the preheated oven at 410°F (210°C) for 50 minutes until the crust is golden and firm.
12. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your fresh homemade bread!

Notes

• Use unbleached all-purpose flour for best texture and flavor.
• The dough can be sticky initially but will become easier to handle after some kneading.
• Adjust water quantity slightly if the dough feels too dry or too wet.
• Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for a light, fluffy texture.
• Adding olive oil to your hands during kneading helps prevent sticking without adding extra flour.
• For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 2-3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade bread, bread recipe, easy bread, yeast bread, baking bread, soft bread loaf