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Delicious Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

This homemade bread recipe yields soft, fluffy, and freshly baked loaves perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with simple ingredients like yeast, honey, and all-purpose flour, it guides you through proofing the yeast, kneading the dough, two rises, and baking to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees), 474 g
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar, 85 g honey or 50 g sugar
  • 2 tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable), 30 ml

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 - 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour, 500 g - 688 g

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of the sugar or honey. Allow to rest for 10 minutes until foamy and bubbly to proof the yeast. If it doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast.
  2. Mix remaining ingredients: Add the remaining sugar or honey, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well to combine.
  3. Add flour gradually: Add another cup of flour and mix. While the mixer runs, continue adding flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides and feels smooth, elastic, slightly sticky but manageable.
  4. Knead the dough: Knead with the mixer on medium speed for 4-5 minutes or by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5-8 minutes until dough is elastic and smooth.
  5. First rise: Grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a dish towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
  6. Prepare pans: Spray two 9x5 inch bread pans with cooking spray and optionally line bottoms with parchment paper.
  7. Shape and divide dough: Punch down dough to release air, divide into two equal portions, shape each into a loaf and place in prepared pans.
  8. Second rise: Cover the pans with a dry dish towel or lightly greased plastic wrap. Let rise until dough is about 1 inch above pan rims, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  9. Bake the bread: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake loaves for 30-33 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on top.
  10. Cool and store: Remove from pans onto wire racks, brush tops with butter, and cool at least 10 minutes before slicing. Store in airtight containers at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Proof your yeast with warm water to ensure it is active for better rise.
  • Use bread flour for a chewier crust; all-purpose flour works well for softer bread.
  • The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; add flour gradually to avoid tough bread.
  • Rising times vary based on room temperature; warmer areas will reduce rising time.
  • Brushing the baked loaves with buttery spread adds flavor and keeps crust soft.
  • Fresh bread is best eaten within a few days; freeze if storing longer.

Nutrition