Make bakery-quality bread at home with just 6 pantry ingredients!

This simple, foolproof recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves perfect for sandwiches, and it even freezes well.

Who doesn't love the smell of fresh-baked bread? Making bread from scratch may seem intimidating, but with this easy recipe, you'll feel like a pro in no time. The best part? You only need six basic ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. No fancy tools or ingredients like eggs, milk, or butter are needed! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create soft, delicious bread at home.

Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Bread

This bread recipe is incredibly simple, and all the ingredients are easy to find. Here's what you'll need:

- Warm water (105-115°F): Activates the yeast.

- Active dry yeast: This is what makes your bread rise! You can substitute with instant or rapid-rise yeast.

- Sugar or honey: Feeds the yeast and softens the bread.

- Salt: Enhances flavor.

- Oil: Use vegetable or canola oil for best results, or try melted butter for a richer taste.

- Flour: Bread flour or all-purpose flour works great. The key is to use just enough so the dough is soft but not too sticky.

How to Make Homemade Bread

Here's how to transform these simple ingredients into a warm, soft loaf of bread:

1. Proof the yeast: Combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar (or honey) in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it's bubbly. If it doesn't foam, your yeast may be expired and you'll need to start again with fresh yeast.

2. Prepare the dough: Add the remaining sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add more flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes on medium speed if using a mixer, or by hand on a floured surface for 5-8 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.

4. First rise: Grease a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a dish towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about 1 to 1.5 hours.

5. Punch down the dough: After it rises, punch the dough to release air bubbles.

6. Shape and second rise: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a log, and place in greased loaf pans. Cover with lightly greased plastic wrap and let them rise for 45 minutes to an hour. The dough should rise about 1 inch above the pans.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the loaves for about 30-33 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Tap the top of the bread—it should sound hollow. Let the bread cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

Storing and Freezing Tips

- Storage: After cooling, store your bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or 5 days in the fridge.

- Make ahead: You can refrigerate the dough after step 4 for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before continuing with the next steps.

- Freezing the dough: Shape the dough into loaves after step 6, then freeze in an aluminum pan for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw at room temperature and complete the second rise.

- Freezing baked bread: Let the bread cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw it at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Recipe Variations

This basic bread recipe is versatile! You can customize it in many ways:

- Cinnamon swirl bread: After dividing the dough, roll it out into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, roll up, and bake as usual.

- Raisin bread: Add 2 cups of raisins to the dough at step 3 for a sweet twist.

- Whole wheat bread: Substitute part or all of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.

This easy homemade bread recipe is a great way to enjoy fresh, soft bread without a lot of fuss. With only six ingredients and no special equipment required, you'll be baking delicious loaves in no time. Whether you're making it for a sandwich, toast, or just to enjoy with a meal, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.

How to make Homemade Bread - EASY Recipe

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