Description
Crusty homemade bread delivers comforting warmth straight from your kitchen. Golden-brown loaves with crisp edges promise delightful moments of simple culinary pleasure that connect family and friends around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Leavening Agents:
- 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) instant yeast
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing, optional)
Instructions
- Awaken the yeast by gently dissolving sugar in tepid water, then sprinkle yeast and allow it to bloom and become frothy for 5-10 minutes. (Bypass this stage if utilizing instant yeast.)
- In a spacious mixing vessel, unite flour with salt, creating a pristine foundation for your artisan loaf.
- Incorporate the activated yeast (or instant variety), melted butter, and warm liquid, stirring until a rustic, textured dough emerges.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured workspace and massage energetically for 8-10 minutes, developing a silky, elastic consistency. Alternatively, employ a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes of mechanical kneading.
- Nestle the dough into a generously greased bowl, drape with a clean cloth or plastic membrane, and permit it to rest in a nurturing, warm environment until its volume doubles – approximately 1-2 hours.
- Deflate the risen dough with a gentle punch, then carefully mold it into a cohesive loaf shape.
- Tenderly place the shaped dough into a well-greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, allowing it to undergo a secondary rise for 30-45 minutes until it achieves impressive volume.
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for the transformative baking process.
- Delicately brush the loaf’s surface with milk, ensuring a lustrous, golden exterior.
- Slide the pan into the heated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich amber hue and listening for the hallmark hollow sound when tapped.
- Extract the bread and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before slicing.
Notes
- Always use fresh, active yeast to ensure a perfect rise and fluffy texture in your homemade bread.
- Check water temperature carefully: too hot kills yeast, too cold prevents activation.
- Kneading develops gluten, creating that classic chewy bread texture – don’t rush this step.
- Consider adding herbs or seeds like rosemary, sesame, or sunflower for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For gluten-free options, swap wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mixes and add xanthan gum for better structure.
- Humidity and altitude can affect bread rising, so be patient and adjust rising times accordingly.
- Store bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent quick staleness.
- Experiment with different flour types like whole wheat, rye, or spelt for unique taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg