How to Make Homemade Bread with Simple Ingredients

Overall Summary

Making homemade bread can be a rewarding and delicious experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a loaf of bread that is both tasty and satisfying. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, offering tips and insights to ensure your bread turns out perfect every time. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, you'll find valuable information here to help you master the art of bread making.

TL;DR

To make homemade bread, you'll need just a few basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast, salt, and sugar. The process involves mixing the ingredients, allowing the dough to rise, shaping the dough, and baking it. Follow these simple steps and tips to create delicious homemade bread.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Bread

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1/2 cup of white sugar
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (or coconut oil/canola oil)
• 5-6 cups of flour (all-purpose or bread flour)

Step 2: Proof the Yeast

Proofing the yeast is an essential step to ensure that your bread will rise properly. Here's how to do it:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of sugar in 2 cups of warm water. The water should be warm but not hot, around 110°F/45°C. Using a cooking thermometer can help you get the right temperature.
2. Stir in 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast resembles a creamy foam. If the yeast doesn't foam, it may be expired or the water temperature may be incorrect.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

1. Add the remaining sugar, oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
2. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or mix by hand.
3. Continue adding flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is no longer sticky. The dough should be soft and elastic.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure. Here's how to knead the dough:

1. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Using the heels of your hands, push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.
3. Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat. Continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Rise

1. Place the kneaded dough in a well-greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
3. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1-2 hours. If your house is cool, you can preheat your oven to 180°F, then turn it off and place the bowl inside with the oven door slightly open.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

1. Punch down the dough to release the air.
2. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal parts.
3. Shape each part into a loaf by flattening the dough into a rectangle, then rolling it up tightly from one short end to the other.
4. Pinch the seams and tuck the ends under to create a smooth surface.
5. Place each loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Cover the loaf pans with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
2. Let the dough rise again in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 30-60 minutes.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
3. If you have a cooking thermometer, the internal temperature of the bread should be around 190°F (88°C).
4. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips and Good Practices

• Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Store yeast in the refrigerator to maintain its quality.
• Don't Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just enough to develop the gluten. Over-kneading can make the bread dense.
• Adjust for Weather: If you live in a humid climate, you may need to add a bit more flour. Conversely, in dry climates, you may need less.
• Temperature Matters: Both the water temperature and the ambient temperature affect how the yeast behaves. Warmer environments speed up rising times, while cooler ones slow it down.
• Experiment with Flours: You can use a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour to add more flavor and nutrition to your bread.
• Flavor Enhancements: Adding herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough can create delicious variations.
• Storage: Store your bread in a cool, dry place. Homemade bread doesn't contain preservatives, so it will typically last for a few days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Author's Personal Thoughts

Making homemade bread is one of my favorite kitchen activities. There's something incredibly satisfying about the process, from kneading the dough to the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. It's a simple pleasure that brings a lot of joy. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into your bread is a great way to ensure you're eating wholesome, nutritious food. I hope you enjoy making and eating your homemade bread as much as I do!

Good Practices and Tips

• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients for the best results. Baking is a science, and accurate measurements make a big difference.
• Stay Patient: Good bread takes time. Don't rush the rising process, as it's crucial for developing the bread's texture and flavor.
• Experiment: Once you're comfortable with the basic recipe, try adding different ingredients like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for variety.

Happy baking!

References

• Easy Homemade Bread Recipe - Butter with a Side of Bread
• Homemade Bread Recipe - Tastes Better from Scratch
• 3 Ingredient Artisan Bread (no knead!) - I Heart Naptime