There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked homemade bread filling the kitchen. This classic recipe produces a soft, fluffy loaf with a beautifully golden crust and a tender center. It uses simple ingredients and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or simply spreading warm bread with butter, this homemade loaf is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Bread
- Soft and fluffy inside
- Golden, delicious crust
- Simple ingredients
- No complicated equipment required
- Perfect for sandwiches and toast
- Freezes beautifully
- Much more satisfying than store-bought bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup warm milk
How to Make Homemade Bread
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
If there is no foam after several minutes, your yeast may not be active.
2. Make the Dough
Add the melted butter and salt.
Gradually add the flour, mixing as you go, until a soft dough begins to form.
The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not excessively sticky.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead for approximately 8–10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead for about 5–7 minutes.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Place it somewhere warm and let it rise for approximately 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf
Gently punch down the risen dough to remove excess air.
Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
Place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise
Cover the loaf and allow it to rise again for approximately 30–45 minutes, or until the dough has risen noticeably above the rim of the pan.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the bread for approximately 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when gently tapped.
If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final part of baking.
8. Cool Before Slicing
Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack.
Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
It can be tempting to cut into it immediately, but allowing it to cool helps the inside finish setting properly.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread
Use warm liquid, not hot. Very hot water or milk can damage the yeast.
Don’t add too much flour. A slightly soft dough generally produces a lighter loaf.
Knead properly. The dough should become smooth and elastic rather than rough and sticky.
Give it enough time to rise. Rising time can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen, so look for the dough to approximately double rather than relying only on the clock.
Let it cool before slicing. This helps prevent a gummy or compressed interior.
Easy Variations
Garlic Herb Bread
Add minced garlic and dried herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning to the dough.
Honey Wheat Bread
Replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour and use honey instead of sugar.
Cheesy Bread
Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the dough before shaping.
Cinnamon Bread
Add cinnamon and a little extra sugar for a sweet breakfast loaf.
How to Store Homemade Bread
Once completely cooled, store the bread in an airtight bag or bread container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Avoid refrigerating homemade bread if possible, as refrigeration can make bread become stale more quickly.
For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
You can take out individual slices whenever you need them and toast them directly from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t my bread rise?
The yeast may have been inactive, the liquid may have been too hot or too cold, or the dough may have been left in a particularly cool environment.
Can I make this without a loaf pan?
Yes. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The baking time may vary.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Instant yeast can generally be mixed directly with the dry ingredients, although you can still activate it in the warm liquid if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Bread recipe is simple, dependable, and perfect for anyone who wants to experience the joy of baking a fresh loaf from scratch.