Homemade yeast bread brings wonderful moments to every kitchen and fills the air with an irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness. And what’s more, everyone is always perhaps most curious about how homemade bread will turn out. With a few simple ingredients, you too can create a loaf that surpasses any store-bought version in terms of taste and texture, because you will also be warmed by the feeling and joy of the homemade version. This classic base offers endless versatility, it is also ideal for sandwiches, toasts or simply enjoyed on its own with butter or perhaps homemade marmalade to suit your taste.
If you want to make quality and tasty homemade yeast bread, start with quality flour, yeast, water, salt and a little sugar. These basic ingredients come together to create a dough that rises beautifully and bakes into a golden brown masterpiece. Believe it or not, the quality of the flour is really crucial. Whether you prefer a rustic artisan loaf or a soft sandwich bread, the kneading, rising and baking process allows you to customize your bread to suit your preferences.
Recipe
Ingredients in this recipe
- 4 cups of quality all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 °F/45 °C)
- 2 spoons of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Step-by-step instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar and yeast. Mix gently and let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
- Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil (or melted butter).
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- Place the prepared dough in a greased bowl and turn once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1,5 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
- After rising, gently press the dough to release air bubbles. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf in a greased mold or on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
- Cover the loaf with a clean tea towel and leave to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Alternatively, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife so it expands during baking.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the finished homemade bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
