Easy Homemade Bread

🍞 Easy Homemade Bread

Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1¼ cups warm water (not hot)

• 2 tbsp sugar or honey

• 1½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp oil or melted butter

Instructions

1. Activate yeast
   Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make dough
   Add salt, oil/butter, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead
   Knead on a floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First rise
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.

5. Shape
   Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan.

6. Second rise
   Cover and rise 30 minutes.

7. Bake
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped.

8. Cool
   Remove from pan and cool before slicing.

Tips

• Brush top with butter for a soft crust

• Add herbs or garlic for savory bread

• Use milk instead of water for extra softness