Perfect Homemade Bread Recipes: Easy Steps & Tips (Print-Friendly Version)

Uncover the magic of homemade bread with our easy recipes bread guide. Perfect for beginners, every loaf promises warmth and flavor.

# Ingredients You'll Need:
01 - 4 cups flour, all-purpose, spooned and leveled
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast, active dry or instant
03 - 2 teaspoons salt
04 - 1 1/2 cups water, warm, about 110°F
05 - 2 tablespoons sugar
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and sugar, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
02 - Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
04 - Punch down the dough to release air, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased bread pan.
05 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
06 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
# Extra Information:
01 - Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
02 - Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for optimal texture.
03 - For a softer crust, brush the top with butter after baking.
04 - Avoid over-flouring the dough during kneading.
05 - Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
06 - Infuse your bread with garlic and herbs for a savory twist. Perfect for Italian dishes or as a standalone snack.
07 - Transform this into a sweet loaf by incorporating cinnamon and raisins. Ideal for breakfast or dessert.
08 - To store your bread, wrap it in a cloth and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Freezing is also an option; slice the loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag for up to three months. When reheating, the oven is best: bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to refresh the crust. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread gummy. To restore texture, a quick toast adds back a delightful crispness.
# Recipe Details:
01 - Prep time: 20 minutes
02 - Cook time: 35 minutes
03 - Servings: 10
04 - Recipe by: Sophie Laurent

Perfect Homemade Bread Recipes: Easy Steps & Tips

Sophie Laurent
Recipe by Sophie Laurent Published on December 7, 2025

Uncover the magic of homemade bread with our easy recipes bread guide. Perfect for beginners, every loaf promises warmth and flavor.

Print
Freshly baked homemade bread loaves, golden brown and crusty, showcased on a rustic wooden board for perfect bread recipes.
Print
Pin

Perfect Homemade Bread Recipes: Easy Steps & Tips

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Uncover the magic of homemade bread with our easy recipes bread guide. Perfect for beginners, every loaf promises warmth and flavor.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

  • flour: 4 cups - all-purpose, spooned and leveled
  • yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons - active dry or instant
  • salt: 2 teaspoons
  • water: 1 1/2 cups - warm, about 110°F
  • sugar: 2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and sugar, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

    Tip: Use a wooden spoon or your hands; this dough should feel slightly sticky.

  2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.

  3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

    Tip: Rising time can vary based on room temperature; warmer rooms speed up the process.

  4. Punch down the dough to release air, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased bread pan.

    Tip: Ensure the seam is at the bottom to maintain shape during baking.

  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.

    Tip: The dough should rise just above the edge of the pan.

  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

    Tip: For a crisper crust, brush with melted butter immediately after baking.

Notes

  • Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
  • Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for optimal texture.
  • For a softer crust, brush the top with butter after baking.
  • Avoid over-flouring the dough during kneading.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Author: Sophie Laurent
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Beef
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fat: 1g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 290mg

Keywords: bread, baking, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, beginner bread, yeast bread, comfort food, baking tips, fresh bread, classic bread recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us - we can't wait to see what you've made!

Frequently Asked Questions for Recipes bread

How do I make bread rise faster?
Use a warm environment, like an oven with a light on, to speed up dough rising. Ensure the yeast is fresh for optimal activity.

Why is my bread dense and heavy?
Dense bread can result from insufficient kneading or rising time. Ensure the dough is well-kneaded and allowed to rise fully.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, but whole wheat flour absorbs more water, so adjust by adding an extra 2-3 tablespoons of water.

What is the best way to store homemade bread?
Store at room temperature in a cloth bag or bread box for up to two days, or freeze for longer storage.

How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has an internal temperature of 190°F.

Can I add seeds or nuts to this bread recipe?
Absolutely! Add seeds or nuts during the final kneading stage to incorporate them evenly throughout the dough.