🍞 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
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Super soft and fluffy texture
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No special tools—just a bowl and your hands
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Versatile: ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as a side
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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)
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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, 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.
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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.
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Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later.
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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!
