Homemade Bread That Will Make You Never Buy Store-Bought Again!
There’s something magical about pulling a warm, golden loaf out of your own oven. The smell fills the kitchen, the crust crackles as it cools, and that first slice with a little butter? Pure comfort. This simple homemade bread is soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh and warm.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive. - Mix the dough
Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. - Knead
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time. - First rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Shape
Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. - Second rise
Cover again and let it rise for 30–40 minutes, until it rises just above the edge of the pan. - Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. - Cool
Remove from the pan and let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Bread
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot — too much heat can kill the yeast.
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter right after baking.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight bag for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for later.
Once you try this homemade loaf, it’s hard to go back to store-bought. Fresh, fluffy, and made with simple pantry ingredients — this is bread the way it’s meant to be.