Making homemade bread is a rewarding experience! Here's a basic recipe for a classic white bread loaf:
**Ingredients:**
- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast - 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F or 45°C) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:**
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast. - Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and alive.
2. **Mix the Dough:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. - Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture and melted butter. - Stir until a dough starts to form.
3. **Knead the Dough:**
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. - Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but try not to add too much.
4. **First Rise:**
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat it with oil. - Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. - Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. **Shape the Loaf:**
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. - Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
6. **Second Rise:**
- Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. - Let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
7. **Bake the Bread:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising. - Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. - Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. - If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
8. **Cool and Serve:**
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. - Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. - Once cooled, slice and serve your freshly baked bread!
Enjoy your homemade bread with butter, jam, or any other toppings you like!
