Homemade Bread Recipe

Ingredients

3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast1

1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon suga1

1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softenedOptional:

1 tablespoon honey or olive oil for added flavor and moisture

Preparation

PREPARING THE DOUGH

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast.

Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

If the mixture doesn’t froth, the yeast may be old or the water too hot/cold.

Start again with fresh yeast and water.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt.

Combine Ingredients:

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

Pour in the yeast mixture and softened butter (and honey or olive oil, if using).

Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.

Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Add additional flour a little at a time if the dough is too sticky.

FIRST RISE

Prepare for Rising:

Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.

Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

SHAPING AND SECOND RISE

Shape the Dough:

Punch down the risen dough to release air. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.

You can place the shaped dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or shape it into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Second Rise:

Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size again.