Classic Homemade Bread Recipe

Ingredients

Warm water: 1 ½ cups (370 ml)
Dry yeast: 2 tablespoons (10 g)
Flour: 4 cups (500 g)
Salt: 1 teaspoon

Directions

Activate the Yeast:

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (370 ml) and dry yeast (10 g). Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is fully dissolved and foamy.

Prepare the Dough:

Add the flour (500 g) and salt (1 teaspoon) to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or your desired form, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.

Second Rise:

Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Bake the Bread:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Serve:

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your homemade bread warm or at room temperature!

Tips:

For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter after baking.
Add seeds or herbs to the dough for extra flavor.