Homemade Bread

Look no further for the BEST and simplest Homemade Bread recipe made with just six simple pantry ingredients! This delightful white bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying fresh out of the oven. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion, from family dinners to casual brunches. Plus, it freezes well, ensuring you always have fresh bread on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With only six basic ingredients, this Homemade Bread recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: Enjoy a soft and fluffy loaf that’s ideal for sandwiches or as a side at meals.
• Versatile Uses: Use it for breakfast toast, lunch sandwiches, or even garlic bread; the possibilities are endless!
• Freezes Well: Make a double batch and store one loaf in the freezer for later use without compromising quality.
• Customizable Flavor: Add herbs, spices, or seeds to personalize your homemade creation.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Homemade Bread, you’ll need some essential tools. Having these on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pans (2)
• Dish towel or plastic wrap
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to mix all ingredients comfortably without spills.
• Stand mixer: Makes kneading easier if you’re preparing larger batches of bread.
• Loaf pans: Ensure your dough maintains its shape while rising and baking.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the bread as it cools to prevent sogginess.

Ingredients

For this fantastic Homemade Bread, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees) ((474g))
• 1 Tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar ((85g honey, 50g sugar))
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 Tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable) ((30 ml))
• 4 – 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour ((500g-688g))

How to Make Homemade Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of honey or sugar. Allow this mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly. This step is known as proofing the yeast; if it doesn’t foam, you’ll need fresh yeast.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the remaining honey or sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour into the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until combined.

Step 3: Add More Flour

Stir in another cup of flour. With your mixer running (or by hand), gradually add more flour in increments of ½ cup until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be smooth and elastic but slightly sticky.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes using a stand mixer. If kneading by hand, do so on a lightly floured surface for 5-8 minutes until smooth.

Step 5: First Rise

Grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray and place your dough inside. Turn it to coat in oil. Cover with a dish towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1.5 hours.

Step 6: Prepare Pans

Generously spray two 9×5” bread pans with cooking spray on all sides. Optionally line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 7: Shape Your Loaves

Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each into long logs before placing them into greased loaf pans.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover your pans with a lightweight dish towel (or plastic wrap) sprayed with cooking spray. Let rise again for about 45 minutes to an hour until they rise about an inch above the pans.

Step 9: Bake Your Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 30-33 minutes until golden brown on top. A gentle tap on top should sound hollow when done.

Step 10: Cool Down

Invert your loaves onto a wire cooling rack. Brush tops with butter if desired and allow cooling for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 11: Storage Tips

Once cooled completely, store your homemade bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to three days or up to five days in the refrigerator.

Enjoy making this delightful Homemade Bread that brings warmth and comfort to any meal!

How to Serve Homemade Bread

Homemade bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Whether you prefer it as a side dish or the main star of your meal, there are countless options to elevate your dining experience.

Toasted with Toppings

• Avocado Spread: Mash ripe avocado with a sprinkle of salt and lime juice for a creamy topping.
• Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on warm slices for a protein-packed snack.
• Hummus: Top your bread with hummus and sliced veggies for a healthy option.

Sandwiches

• Turkey Sandwich: Layer slices of turkey, lettuce, and tomato for a classic lunchtime favorite.
• Veggie Delight: Fill your sandwich with roasted vegetables and spread some pesto for added flavor.
• Grilled Cheese: Use homemade bread for an indulgent grilled cheese experience, melted to perfection.

Dipping

• Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Serve with a bowl of olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar for a simple yet elegant appetizer.
• Soups: Pair your homemade bread with hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil for comfort food bliss.

How to Perfect Homemade Bread

Perfecting homemade bread is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to enhance your baking skills.

• Use Warm Water: Ensure the water temperature is between 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for activating yeast.
• Knead Well: Kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Aim for smooth and elastic dough.
• Let It Rise Properly: Allow the dough to double in size during the first rise; this creates volume and texture in your bread.
• Check Doneness: Tap the top of the loaf; it should sound hollow when fully baked. This indicates that it’s cooked through.
• Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming gummy when sliced.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Bread

Homemade bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garden Salad: A fresh mix of greens and veggies adds crunch and balances the softness of bread.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted root vegetables bring out natural sweetness that pairs well with bread.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic provide a comforting contrast to the chewy texture of the bread.
4. Chili: A hearty chili dish offers robust flavors that pair perfectly with slices of warm homemade bread.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with grains and beans make an excellent companion dish.
6. Caprese Salad: The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil works beautifully alongside slices of homemade bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade bread can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not proofing the yeast: Always ensure your yeast is active by proofing it in warm water with a bit of sugar or honey. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast is no longer good.

• Using the wrong flour: Different types of flour absorb water differently. Use all-purpose or bread flour as specified in the recipe for the best texture.

• Skipping the kneading process: Kneading develops gluten, which gives your bread structure. Don’t skip this step; mix for at least 4-5 minutes.

• Ignoring rising times: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. Rushing this step can lead to dense bread.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and liquids.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store homemade bread in an airtight container or bag.
• It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator without losing freshness.

Freezing Homemade Bread

• Wrap loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bread in a resealable freezer bag, labeling with the date.
• Frozen bread can last up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature when ready to use.

Reheating Homemade Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This method restores crispness.

• Microwave: Wrap loaves in a damp paper towel and microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. This method keeps the bread soft but may make the crust chewy.

• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side. This adds a nice golden crust while warming the inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making homemade bread:

Can I use different sweeteners instead of honey?

You can substitute honey with sugar or other natural sweeteners like agave syrup for a similar effect.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during its first rise, indicating it has enough air trapped inside to create lightness.

What makes this Homemade Bread recipe special?

This homemade bread recipe uses just six pantry ingredients and is perfect for sandwiches, making it versatile and easy to customize.

How long does it take to make Homemade Bread from start to finish?

From mixing ingredients to baking, expect about 3 hours total, including rising times.

Can I add herbs or spices to my Homemade Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or spices like garlic powder into your dough for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Bread recipe stands out because it’s simple and requires minimal ingredients while delivering delicious results. You have options to customize it with different flavors, making it perfect for any meal. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy it is!