This Homemade Bread Recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust—perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh out of the oven with butter.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 15 minutes (includes rising time)
Yield:1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Category:Bread
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add oil and salt, then gradually stir in the flour until a dough forms.
Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, or until dough has risen just above the edge of the pan.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from pan and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For whole wheat bread, replace up to half the flour with whole wheat flour.
Brush the top with butter after baking for a softer crust.
This recipe can be doubled and freezes well after baking.