Here’s a classic, easy homemade bread recipe — soft, fluffy inside with a golden crust. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter.
🍞 Homemade Bread (No-Fancy Equipment Needed)
Yields: 1 loaf
Prep: 15 minutes
Rise: 1–2 hours
Bake: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
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1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
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1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
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2 tbsp sugar or honey
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
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In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
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Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
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In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
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Add yeast mixture and olive oil.
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Mix until a soft dough forms.
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Knead on a floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook).
3. First Rise
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Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.
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Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
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Let rise in a warm place 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaf
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Punch down dough gently.
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Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Cover and let rise another 30–45 minutes until doubled.
5. Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Optional: brush the top with a little milk or butter for a golden crust.
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Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
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Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
⭐ Tips & Variations
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Soft sandwich bread: Brush with melted butter right after baking.
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Crispier crust: Bake loaf on a baking stone or add a small pan of water to the oven for steam.
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Whole wheat: Replace 1–2 cups of flour with whole wheat flour (add a bit more water).
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Herb bread: Mix 1–2 tsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme) into the dough.
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Garlic bread: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp Parmesan to the dough.
If you want, I can also give you:
🥖 No-Knead Artisan Bread (rustic, chewy crust)
🍞 Quick 1-Hour Bread
🍞 Soft Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
Which version would you like?
