Bread Recipe – Are you ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of homemade bread? Look no further, as we have the perfect recipe for you to create a mouthwatering loaf from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making soft, fluffy bread that will have your whole house smelling like a bakery. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is to bake your own bread. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills!
What is Bread?
Bread is a staple food made from dough of flour and water that is typically baked. It is a versatile food that comes in many forms, such as loaves, baguettes, rolls, and flatbreads. Bread can be enjoyed on its own, toasted, or used as a base for sandwiches and other dishes. It is a source of carbohydrates and provides energy for the body. With countless varieties and flavors available, bread is a beloved food enjoyed by people all over the world.
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Video of Bread
| Prep Time | 20 minutes of hands-on prep |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes in the oven |
| Total Time | 2 hours including rising time |
| Servings | 1 loaf of bread |
Bread has been a staple food for thousands of years, with its origins dating back to ancient times. It is beloved for its versatility, simplicity, and comforting qualities. Throughout history, bread has been a symbol of sustenance and community, playing a crucial role in various cultures and traditions. Its popularity continues to endure, with countless varieties and styles enjoyed worldwide. Whether it’s a soft French baguette, a hearty rye loaf, or a fluffy brioche, bread is a timeless favorite that brings people together. Many cherish the process of making bread from scratch, following cherished family recipes passed down through generations. For those looking to try their hand at baking, a simple Bread Recipe can provide a delicious and rewarding experience.
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Bread Ingredients
For the perfect loaf of bread, only the freshest and highest quality ingredients will do. Start with a variety of flours such as all-purpose, whole wheat, or rye to create the perfect texture and flavor. Add in fresh yeast, water, salt, and a touch of sugar for the perfect balance of flavors. Don’t forget to incorporate a variety of seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to add depth and complexity to your bread. With a mix of fresh and diverse ingredients, your homemade bread will be sure to impress.
- All-purpose flour: main ingredient for bread dough
- Yeast: leavening agent for bread to rise
- Salt: enhances flavor and helps regulate yeast activity
- Water: liquid component for bread dough
- Sugar: feeds yeast and adds a touch of sweetness
- Olive oil: adds richness and moisture to the bread
- Eggs: enriches the dough and improves structure
- Milk: adds tenderness and flavor to the bread
- Honey: alternative sweetener that adds depth of flavor
- Butter: adds richness and flavor to the bread
How to Make Bread
To prepare a delicious homemade bread, start by proofing the yeast in warm water with sugar. Gradually add the flour and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf before baking until golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
- Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C).
- Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter or egg wash for a shiny crust.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy your freshly baked bread with butter or your favorite toppings!
Tips for Making Bread
When it comes to making bread at home, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure success. First, always use high-quality ingredients, such as bread flour and active dry yeast. Next, be sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and create a light, airy texture. Additionally, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for the best results. Finally, bake the bread at the correct temperature and for the appropriate amount of time to achieve a perfectly golden crust. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking delicious homemade bread.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of ingredients to ensure consistent results in your bread recipe.
- Experiment with different types of flour (such as bread flour, whole wheat flour, or rye flour) to achieve different textures and flavors in your bread.
- Use a dough scraper to easily handle and shape the dough without adding excess flour, which can result in a tough loaf.
- Preheat your oven and baking vessel (such as a Dutch oven or baking stone) to ensure a crispy crust and even baking of your bread.
- Consider using a preferment (such as a poolish or sourdough starter) to enhance the flavor and texture of your bread.
- Allow the dough to ferment at a cool temperature (around 40-50 F) for a longer period of time to develop complex flavors and a chewy texture.
- Experiment with different shaping techniques (such as braiding or scoring) to create visually appealing loaves with unique textures.
- Use a digital thermometer to ensure that your bread is fully baked, with an internal temperature of around 200-210 F.
Directions for Making Bread
To make this delicious homemade bread recipe, start by combining warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast has bloomed. Next, add in flour and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl to rise for about an hour. Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a bread pan, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Finally, bake the bread in a preheated oven until golden brown and enjoy!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Heat 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a small saucepan until warm (120-130 F).
- Gradually add the warm water mixture to the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the pan with the kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, until it reaches the top of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 375 F and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts of Bread
Our Bread Recipe is a delicious and wholesome option for any meal. Each serving of this bread contains 120 calories, 2g of fat, 22g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. With only 1g of sugar and 0g of cholesterol, this recipe is a nutritious choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
| Calories | 200 per serving |
| Protein | 5g per serving |
| Fat | 2g per serving |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g per serving |
| Cholesterol | 0mg per serving |
| Carbohydrates | 40g per serving |
| Fiber | 2g per serving |
| Sugar | 3g per serving |
| Sodium | 300mg per serving |
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Conclusion on Bread Recipe
In conclusion, this bread recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to bake a delicious and versatile loaf at home. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, it is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. This bread can be enjoyed on its own, toasted with butter, or used to make sandwiches and bruschetta. Its benefits include being a cost-effective and healthier alternative to store-bought bread, as well as the satisfaction of knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your homemade loaf. Whether you are looking to impress friends and family with your baking skills or simply enjoy a warm slice of freshly baked bread, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!