🍞 Homemade Bread Recipe – Soft, Fluffy, and Perfect Every Time!
Posted on August 27, 2025 by Admin
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. This simple homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It delivers a soft, fluffy texture, a golden crust, and that irresistible homemade flavor. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or just want a warm slice with butter, this recipe is your go-to.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes 1 standard loaf of classic white bread. Here’s what you need:
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or olive oil (for added moisture and flavor)
Pro Tip: Using high-quality flour and fresh yeast makes a big difference in the final texture and flavor.
🥣 Step-by-Step Directions
🔹 Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Warm water
- Sugar
- Active dry yeast
Gently stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It should start to bubble and become frothy — a sign that the yeast is alive and ready.
If there’s no froth, your yeast might be expired, or the water was too hot or cold. Discard and try again with fresh ingredients.
🔹 Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Salt
You can add the remaining ½ cup of flour during kneading if needed.
🔹 Step 3: Combine the Dough
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in:
- The frothy yeast mixture
- Softened butter
- (Optional) Honey or olive oil
Mix everything using a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
🔹 Step 4: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes:
- Smooth
- Elastic
- Slightly tacky, but not sticky
Add a little extra flour (up to ½ cup) as needed to prevent sticking.
Tip: Don’t over-knead. Stop when the dough springs back when lightly pressed.
⏲️ First Rise: Let the Dough Rest
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in a slightly warm oven (just turn it on for 1 minute, then turn it off).
🧱 Shape the Loaf
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Place the shaped dough inside.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until it reaches the top of the pan.
🔥 Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the bread on the middle rack for 25 to 30 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden brown
- The loaf sounds hollow when tapped
Optional: Brush the top with melted butter right after baking for a softer crust.
🧊 Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cutting it too soon can result in a gummy texture.
🍞 Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store in a bread box or airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy single servings.
- Reheat: Toast slices directly from the freezer, or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
💡 Variations & Add-ins
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Try these fun variations:
| Type | Add This | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Herb Bread | 1 tsp dried herbs + 1 clove minced garlic | Mix into dough |
| Honey Wheat Bread | Use 2 cups whole wheat flour + 2 tbsp honey | Add more water if needed |
| Cheese Bread | 1 cup shredded cheese | Fold into the dough before final rise |
| Sweet Bread | ¼ cup raisins + 1 tsp cinnamon | Add sugar to taste |
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! This recipe is designed to be mixed and kneaded by hand. No special equipment needed.
❓ Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Skip the activation step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients. Use the same amount (2 ¼ teaspoons).
❓ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Gluten-free breads often require additional binders like xanthan gum.
✅ Why You’ll Love This Homemade Bread
- Easy for beginners
- No preservatives or additives
- Budget-friendly
- Versatile and customizable
- Soft inside with a golden crust
Whether you’re baking it for the first time or making it a weekend ritual, this easy homemade bread recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.
🔍 Keywords (for SEO):
- homemade bread recipe
- easy white bread
- how to make bread from scratch
- soft bread recipe without machine
- beginner bread baking
- all-purpose flour bread recipe