Looking to create a warm, crusty loaf of bread in your own kitchen? This classic baker’s bread recipe is your answer! With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, you’ll be able to impress family and friends with homemade bread that smells as good as it tastes.
Let’s face it, there’s something magical about fresh bread. The aroma wafts through the house, making it impossible to resist a slice straight from the oven. This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathered with butter.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some baking experience, this recipe will have you baking like a pro in no time.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Baking bread at home is a gratifying experience that fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. The simple act of combining flour, water, salt, and yeast transforms into something extraordinary as it rises and bakes.
This classic bread recipe allows anyone to create a rustic loaf, characterized by its golden brown crust and soft interior.
The process is straightforward, making it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. The satisfaction of pulling a freshly baked loaf from the oven is unmatched.
Kneading the Dough
Once the dough ingredients are mixed, kneading is crucial for developing gluten.
It’s during this phase that the dough transforms from a shaggy mass into a smooth, elastic texture.
Set aside about ten minutes for this step, allowing your hands to work the dough until it feels right.
The Rising Process
After kneading, the dough needs to rise. This step is vital for creating the airy structure we love in bread.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it sit in a warm area.
Watching the dough double in size is a rewarding sight, signaling that fermentation is at work.
Shaping and Second Rise
Once the first rise is complete, it’s time to shape the loaf.
Gently punch down the dough and form it into a loaf before placing it in a greased pan.
This shaping is essential for achieving that classic loaf appearance.
The second rise occurs in the loaf pan, allowing for further expansion and lightness.
Baking to Perfection
Preheating the oven is a critical step that should not be overlooked.
Baking the loaf at the right temperature ensures a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender.
Typically, a baking time of 25 to 30 minutes is sufficient, but keep an ear out for that hollow sound when tapping the bottom.
The Final Touch: Cooling
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack.
This cooling period helps maintain the loaf’s texture and makes slicing easier.
With steam rising gently, the aroma fills the air, tempting everyone nearby.
Slice into your creation and enjoy a perfect piece of homemade bread, whether toasted or simply with butter.
Delicious Homemade Bread
This classic baker’s bread is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, with a nutty flavor and a slight chewiness that makes it utterly delightful. The perfect companion for any meal or simply enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- Olive oil for greasing
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
- Add Water: Pour in warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Let it rise again, covered, for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 80kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g