Here’s a simple, traditional homemade bread recipe — no fancy ingredients, no bread machine — just classic, crusty bread with a soft inside.
🍞 Traditional Homemade Bread
Ingredients:
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4 cups (500g) all-purpose or bread flour
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1 ½ tsp salt
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1 tbsp sugar
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
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1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional, for softness)
🥣 Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
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In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water.
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Sprinkle the yeast over it and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough
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In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
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Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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(Or knead in a mixer with dough hook for 5–6 minutes.)
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3. First Rise
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Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.
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Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough
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Punch down the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface.
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Shape it into a round or oval loaf (or divide and make two smaller loaves).
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Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased loaf pan.
5. Second Rise
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Cover again and let rise for about 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
6. Preheat Oven
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Optional: For a crustier loaf, place an oven-safe pan of water on the bottom rack (this creates steam).
7. Score and Bake
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Optional: Slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife (helps control the rise).
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool and Serve
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Let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
