There’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of freshly baked bread. If you’re tired of store-bought bread that doesn’t quite hit the spot, why not try making your own homemade bread?
Not only is it healthier and fresher, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my go-to bread recipe that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of flour
- 2 cups of lukewarm water
- 2 tbsp of oil
- 1 tsp of sugar
- 1 tbsp of yeast
- 1 tsp of salt
Once you have your ingredients, let’s get started on making the bread.
Begin by mixing the sugar and yeast in one cup of lukewarm water and set it aside for five minutes. This will allow the yeast to activate. While you’re waiting for the yeast to do its thing, mix the flour, oil, and salt in a separate bowl.
Next, combine the yeast mixture with the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 45 minutes in a warm place.
But here’s my little secret: after the first 40 minutes of resting, knead the dough again for another 10 minutes. This will help the dough rise better and will give your bread a nice crust on the outside, while still being fluffy and moist on the inside.
Then, shape the dough into two loaves and place them in greased loaf pans. Let them rest for another 40 minutes.
After the second 40 minutes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your loaf pans in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Once your bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked bread with butter, jam, or your favorite spread. Not only will your homemade bread taste better than anything you can buy at the store, but you’ll also feel a sense of satisfaction and pride in having made it yourself.
Give it a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious homemade bread can be!
