Easy Homemade Bread Recipe | Soft, Fluffy & Perfect Every Time
Dreaming of warm, fresh homemade bread that fills your kitchen with delicious aroma? This bread recipe is your beginner-friendly guide to a golden, fluffy loaf—no fancy equipment or secret skills required! With simple steps, pantry ingredients, and tips for success, it’s ideal for both first-time bakers and seasoned bread lovers
✨ Why You’ll Love This Bread Recipe
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Super soft & fluffy with just the right crust
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No special tools—just a bowl and your hands!
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Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dinner sides
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Uses simple pantry ingredients
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Beginner-friendly—step-by-step for foolproof results
📋 Ingredients for Classic Homemade Bread
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3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for chewier loaf)
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1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
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1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
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2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened; substitute oil if needed)
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1 teaspoon salt
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Extra butter for brushing (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Homemade Bread – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes, until foamy. (Skip this step if using instant yeast mixed directly with flour.)
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add softened butter and salt. Stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a mixer with dough hook).
Step 4: First Rise
Shape dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough and roll into a log. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise until the dough domes 1 inch above the pan, about 30–40 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake loaf for 28–32 minutes, until golden brown. (It should sound hollow when tapped.)
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
Brush the top with melted butter for a soft, shiny crust. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Slice and enjoy your fresh, bakery-style bread!
Pro Tip: For an ultra-soft crust, tent the warm loaf with a tea towel as it cools.
🥪 Serving & Storage Suggestions
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Serve fresh for sandwiches, toast, or dinner sides.
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Store cooled bread wrapped tightly for up to 3 days at room temp.
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Freeze slices for quick breakfasts or snacks—just pop in the toaster!
📝 Recipe Variations
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Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute 1 cup flour with whole wheat; add a tablespoon more water if needed.
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Herb Bread: Mix in 1–2 tsp dried Italian herbs or garlic powder.
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Sweet Bread: Add raisins, cinnamon, or honey for a breakfast version.
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No-Knead Bread: Use more water, less yeast, and let it slow rise overnight for a rustic loaf.
❄️ Make-Ahead Tips
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Refrigerate dough after the first rise, then shape and bake within 24 hours.
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Double the batch and freeze one baked loaf for later.
🔍 SEO Keywords
Bread Recipe, Homemade Bread, Easy Bread Recipe, Soft White Bread, Beginner Bread Recipe, Yeast Loaf Bread, Simple Sandwich Bread, Classic Homemade Bread, How to Make Bread at Home
💬 Did You Make This Bread?
We’d love your feedback! Share your homemade bread photos and tips in the comments—or tag us with #FreshBreadMagic on social. Let’s inspire more delicious baking adventures!
— Crafted for SEO and reader connection, with highlighted words, friendly step-by-step guidance, and real-life tips to help your food website rise!
🍞 Easy Homemade Bread Recipe | Soft, Fluffy & Perfect Every Time
Dreaming of warm, fresh bread that fills your kitchen with delicious aroma? This simple bread recipe guides you to a golden, fluffy loaf—no fancy equipment required! With step-by-step instructions and pantry staples, it’s ideal for both first-timers and seasoned bakers. This post is optimized for search and crafted in a friendly, approachable style.
✨ Why You’ll Love This
-
Super soft and fluffy texture
-
No special tools—just a bowl and your hands
-
Versatile: ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as a side
-
Uses ingredients you already have at home
📋 Ingredients
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3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier loaf)
-
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
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1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
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2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, or oil)
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1 teaspoon salt
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Extra butter for brushing (optional)
How to Make It – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it looks foamy (if using instant yeast, you can add it straight to the flour).
Step 2: Form the Dough
Add softened butter and salt. Gradually incorporate flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until a rough dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer.
Step 4: First Rise
Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, and cover with a towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes, until doubled.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Punch air out, roll into a log, and put in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise about 30–40 minutes, until dome-shaped.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 28–32 minutes, until golden. A hollow tap sound means it’s done.
Step 7: Cool
Brush with melted butter for a soft, shiny crust. Cool in the pan 10 minutes, then move to a rack to finish cooling before slicing.
🥪 Serving & Storage
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Serve fresh for sandwiches, toast, or alongside your favorite meals.
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Store tightly wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days, or freeze slices for quick breakfasts.
📝 Variations
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Whole wheat loaf: Swap 1 cup white flour for whole wheat, adding a little more water if needed.
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Herb version: Mix in a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or garlic powder.
-
Sweet breakfast bread: Add cinnamon, raisins, or a drizzle of honey for a morning treat.
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No-knead: Use more water, less yeast, and let it rise overnight for a rustic texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Refrigerate dough after the first rise, then shape and bake anytime within 24 hours.
-
Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later.
Search-Optimized Keywords
Bread Recipe, Homemade Bread, Easy Bread Recipe, Soft White Bread, Beginner Bread Recipe, Yeast Loaf Bread, Simple Sandwich Bread, Classic Homemade Bread, How to Make Bread at Home
💬 Baked This Bread?
Share your kitchen successes in the comments or tag a photo on social with #FreshBreadMagic! Every baker’s story inspires someone else to give it a try. Happy baking!