Versatile Homemade Bread Recipe
Perfect for beginners or as a simple to follow go-to recipe for established bakers.
Equipment
- oven
- loaf pan or dutch oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. For a loaf of bread, shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. For pizza dough, divide it into desired portions and shape each portion into a ball. For garlic rolls or other shapes, divide and shape the dough accordingly.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it puffs up slightly.
- Baking:
- For a Loaf of Bread:Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.b. Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it puffs up slightly.c. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- For Baking with a Dutch Oven (Our Favorite):a. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven with its lid on inside the oven while preheating.b. Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Place the shaped dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and return it to the oven.c. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- For pizza dough: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough to desired thickness, add toppings, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- For garlic rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the shaped dough with garlic butter, sprinkle with cheese if desired, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Enjoy: Serve the bread, pizza, or garlic rolls warm and enjoy!
- This versatile homemade bread recipe can be easily adapted for various uses, making it a staple in your kitchen.
Notes
