Description
This easy homemade bread recipe guides you through the steps to create soft, golden loaves with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for beginners, the bread has a crispy crust and fluffy interior, ideal for sandwiches or to accompany any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Starter
- 1 packet (10g) dry yeast
- 1 cup (200ml) warm water
- 1 cup (120g) flour
Dough
- 6 cups (720g) flour
- 1 teaspoon (10g) salt
Topping
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and dry yeast. Stir until dissolved and let it sit for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make a starter dough: Add 1 cup of flour to the yeast mixture and stir well to form a starter dough. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 15 minutes to develop flavor and gluten structure.
- Knead the dough: Add the remaining 6 cups of flour and salt to the starter dough. Knead the mixture for 3-4 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms that is elastic enough for rising.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it to prevent drying, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour. This fermentation develops flavor and texture.
- Shape and second rise: Punch down the risen dough to release excess gas and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let them rise again for 20 minutes to become fluffy before baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the loaves with a mixture of egg yolk and milk to create a shiny golden crust. Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
- Cool and enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use warm water (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Ensure dough is not sticky by adjusting flour quantity slightly if needed during kneading.
- The egg wash is optional but helps achieve a beautiful crust color and slight sheen.
- Allow bread to cool before slicing to maintain structure and avoid gummy texture.
- You can store the bread at room temperature in a plastic bag for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
