There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. This simple homemade loaf is perfect for beginners and requires only four everyday ingredients. With a soft, fluffy interior and a beautifully golden crust, it’s an easy recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want warm, comforting bread without the fuss.
Ingredients
• 1½ cups warm water (about 370 ml)
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast (10 g)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (about 500 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Activate the yeast
Pour warm water into a large bowl and stir in the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
Mix the dough
Add flour and salt. Stir until everything comes together into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Knead briefly
Knead the dough gently for a few minutes until smooth and cohesive.
Let it rise
Cover the bowl and leave the dough to rise for 45–60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Shape and bake
Shape the dough and place it on a baking tray. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Conclusion
Simple, warm, and incredibly satisfying—this homemade bread proves that baking from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter straight from the oven!
