The Secret to Perfect Homemade Bread Every Time

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through my home. It’s a comforting ritual that never fails to bring joy to my day!

Classic White Bread

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
7. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings

This recipe yields 1 loaf, approximately 12 slices.

Nutrition Info

Calories per slice: 100 | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 1g

Whole Wheat Bread

Prep & Cook Time

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. Dissolve honey and yeast in warm water, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add olive oil and salt, stirring to combine.
3. Gradually mix in whole wheat flour to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour.
6. Punch down, shape it into a loaf, and put it into a greased pan.
7. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until the top is brown.
9. Allow to cool before slicing.

Servings

This recipe yields 1 loaf, approximately 12 slices.

Nutrition Info

Calories per slice: 110 | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 3g

Final Thoughts

Baking bread at home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Each loaf tells a story of patience and love, and I hope these recipes inspire you to create your own delicious bread. Happy baking!