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Classic Homemade Bread Recipe

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Introduction

Classic Homemade Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden with a tender crumb and lightly crisp crust. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this bread is ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter straight from the oven.

Origin

Homemade bread has been a staple across cultures for centuries. Long before commercial bakeries, families relied on yeast, flour, and time to create nourishing loaves that anchored everyday meals.

Cultural Significance

Bread represents comfort, hospitality, and home. Baking a loaf from scratch is a tradition passed down through generations, symbolizing care, patience, and simplicity.

Ingredients Quantity (Makes 2 loaves)

  • Warm water (110°F / 43°C): 2 cups
  • Active dry yeast: 2¼ tsp (1 packet)
  • Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
  • Salt: 2 tsp
  • Vegetable oil or melted butter: ¼ cup
  • All-purpose flour: 5½–6 cups

Optional Additions

  • Honey instead of sugar
  • Milk (replace half the water for softer bread)
  • Garlic powder or herbs
  • Whole wheat flour (swap 1–2 cups)
  • Seeds for topping

Tips for Success

  • Water should be warm, not hot
  • Add flour gradually
  • Knead until dough is smooth and elastic
  • Let dough rise until doubled
  • Don’t overbake

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  4. Knead 8–10 minutes until elastic.
  5. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into two loaves.
  7. Shape and place into greased loaf pans.
  8. Let rise 30–40 minutes until doubled.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.
  10. Cool before slicing.

Description

This bread is light, tender, and versatile. The crumb is soft yet sturdy, perfect for everything from peanut butter toast to grilled cheese.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)

  • Calories: 130–150 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 26–28 g
  • Protein: 4–5 g
  • Fat: 2–3 g

Conclusion

Classic Homemade Bread is simple, satisfying, and endlessly reliable. Once you bake it yourself, store-bought bread just won’t compare.

Recommendation

Serve warm with butter, jam, or honey. Makes excellent sandwiches and freezes beautifully.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

With basic ingredients and no preservatives, homemade bread offers comfort and nourishment in its purest form—enjoyed mindfully, slice by slice.

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