There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen. This Easy Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, offering a soft, fluffy texture with a golden, slightly crispy crust. Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or as part of a sandwich, this homemade loaf will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Bread

Baking bread at home is a rewarding experience that results in a fresher, tastier loaf than store-bought options. This recipe is simple to follow, using everyday ingredients to create a loaf with the perfect balance of softness and chewiness.

The Benefits of Baking Your Own Bread

Making bread from scratch comes with several advantages:

Better Ingredients – You control what goes into your bread, avoiding unnecessary preservatives or artificial additives.
Incredible Freshness – There’s nothing better than eating bread straight from the oven, warm and fragrant.
Cost-Effective – Baking at home is often more affordable than purchasing high-quality bakery bread.
Customizable – You can experiment with different flours, toppings, and mix-ins to suit your taste.

This homemade bread is soft, slightly chewy, and has a rich, buttery flavor. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a spread of butter and honey. Stay tuned for the ingredients and step-by-step baking instructions.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Bread

To make this delicious homemade bread, you only need a few simple pantry staples. Each ingredient plays an essential role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

All-Purpose Flour or Bread Flour – Bread flour gives a chewier texture due to its higher protein content, while all-purpose flour results in a softer loaf. You can use either, depending on your preference.
Warm Water – Helps activate the yeast and ensures a proper rise. The ideal temperature is between 100-110°F (37-43°C).
Active Dry Yeast or Instant Yeast – This is the key to a fluffy, well-risen loaf. If using active dry yeast, make sure to proof it in warm water first.
Sugar or Honey – A touch of sweetness not only enhances flavor but also helps the yeast activate.
Salt – Essential for flavor and also helps control the fermentation process.
Butter or Oil – Adds richness, moisture, and a tender crumb. Melted butter gives a slightly richer taste, while oil results in a softer texture.

How to Make Easy Homemade Bread

Baking homemade bread is a straightforward process, and with a little patience, you’ll have a perfect loaf every time. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar (or honey). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the flour, salt, and melted butter (or oil) to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it puffs up. This second rise ensures a light, airy texture.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

This easy homemade bread is soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Stay tuned for baking tips, storage instructions, and ways to enjoy your fresh loaf!

How Long to Bake Homemade Bread

Baking time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and crust. Here’s a guide to ensure your bread turns out just right:

Standard Loaf (9×5-inch pan) – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Smaller Loaves or Rolls – Bake for 15-20 minutes at the same temperature.
Larger Loaves or Artisan Bread – May require 30-35 minutes, depending on the thickness of the dough.

A properly baked loaf should have a deep golden crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re unsure, insert a thermometer into the center—the internal temperature should read 190-200°F (88-93°C).

How to Store Homemade Bread

If you have leftovers, storing your bread properly will help maintain its freshness and texture. Here’s how:

Room Temperature – Keep the bread in a bread box or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for 2-3 days. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can make the crust soggy.
Refrigerator – While not ideal, you can store the bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This may slightly dry out the loaf.
Freezer – To freeze, slice the bread and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Toast or warm slices in the oven before serving.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread

To ensure your bread turns out soft, fluffy, and flavorful, keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Yeast – If your yeast doesn’t foam during activation, it may be expired. Always check the expiration date before using.
Measure Ingredients Correctly – Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement to avoid a dense or dry loaf.
Don’t Over-Knead or Under-Knead – Proper kneading develops gluten, giving the bread structure. Hand knead for at least 8-10 minutes or use a mixer for 5-6 minutes.
Let It Rise Properly – The dough should double in size during both rises. Rushing this step can lead to a dense texture.
Brush with Butter – For a soft and shiny crust, brush the bread with melted butter right after baking.

This homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter and jam. Up next, I’ll provide a printable version with a full ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and baking details!

Easy Homemade Bread

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 1 standard loaf 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Homemade Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. With a golden, slightly crisp crust and a tender interior, this simple recipe is great for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether used for sandwiches, toast, or served with butter and jam, this homemade loaf will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
1 ¼ cups warm water (100-110°F / 37-43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons sugar or honey
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil

Instructions

Activate the Yeast – In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar (or honey). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough – Add flour, salt, and melted butter (or oil) to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough – Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
First Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough – Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise – Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Bake – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool & Serve – Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes