Homemade bread

here’s a detailed, reliable homemade bread recipe that’s perfect for beginners but still makes a bakery-quality loaf 🍞
This is a classic soft white bread, great for sandwiches or toast.

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Classic Homemade Bread (1 large loaf or 2 small loaves)

⏱ Time Overview

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Rising: 1½–2 hours

• Baking: 30–35 minutes

• Total: ~2½ hours

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🧾 Ingredients

• 3½–4 cups (420–480 g) all-purpose flour
  (bread flour works even better if you have it)

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)

• 2 tbsp sugar or honey

• 2 tbsp oil or melted butter

• 1½ tsp salt

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

1. In a large bowl, add:

   • Warm water

   • Sugar (or honey)

   • Yeast

2. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes.

3. It should look foamy and bubbly—that means the yeast is alive.

❗ If it doesn’t foam, your water may be too hot or the yeast is expired.

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2️⃣ Make the Dough

1. Add to the yeast mixture:

   • Oil or melted butter

   • Salt

2. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition.

3. Once the dough pulls away from the bowl, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

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3️⃣ Knead the Dough (10 minutes)

• Push the dough away with the heel of your hand

• Fold it back over itself

• Turn and repeat

The dough should become:

• Smooth

• Elastic

• Slightly tacky but not sticky

👉 If it sticks too much, add 1 tbsp flour at a time.

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4️⃣ First Rise

1. Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside.

2. Turn it once so it’s coated with oil.

3. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

4. Let rise in a warm place 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.

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5️⃣ Shape the Bread

1. Punch down the dough (gently).

2. Shape it into:

   • A loaf for a bread pan, or

   • Two smaller loaves, or

   • A round rustic loaf

3. Place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking tray.

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6️⃣ Second Rise

• Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes

• Dough should puff up and spring back slowly when pressed

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7️⃣ Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake for 30–35 minutes.

3. Bread is done when:

   • Top is golden brown

   • It sounds hollow when tapped

(Optional: brush top with melted butter right after baking for a soft crust ✨)

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8️⃣ Cool (Important!)

• Remove from pan

• Cool on a wire rack at least 20 minutes before slicing
  (cutting too early can make it gummy)

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🧠 Pro Tips

• Softer bread: Use milk instead of water

• Crispier crust: Place a small oven-safe dish of water in the oven

• Flavor boost: Add garlic powder, herbs, or seeds

• Storage: Keep wrapped at room temp for 2 days, or freeze up to 2 months

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If you want:

• Whole wheat version 🌾

• No-knead bread

• Bread without oven

• Sweet or savory variations

Just tell me—happy to help! 😊