How To Make Homemade Bread from Scratch

Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. For a basic white bread, you will need: 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F), and 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter.

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help your bread rise.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour. This helps in the even rise of the bread.

Once the yeast is activated, pour the yeast mixture and the olive oil (or melted butter) into the bowl with the flour. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough begins to come together.

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, folding it over and pressing down. The gluten needs to develop to create a nice, elastic texture. The dough should become smooth and slightly tacky.

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours. This is called proofing.

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release excess air. Turn it onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it out and rolling it tightly. You can also form it into rolls or other shapes if desired.

Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it again with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes to an hour until it puffs up.

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is hot enough to create a nice crust on the bread.

Once the dough has risen again, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check for about 190°F (88°C) in the center.

After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps finish the cooking process and keeps the crust crisp.

Once the bread is completely cool, slice it with a sharp knife and enjoy your homemade bread with butter, jam, or as the perfect sandwich base!