This Homemade Bread recipe is simple yet yields extraordinary results. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create delicious, bakery-quality bread right in your conventional oven. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a perfect loaf with a golden brown crust and a soft, airy interior.
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour (500g)
- 12g fresh yeast (0.4 oz)
- 12g salt (0.4 oz)
- 1.3 cups warm water (310ml)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Dissolve the Yeast
- Activate the Yeast: Begin by dissolving 12g of fresh yeast in 1.3 cups (310ml) of warm water. Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes. This step activates the yeast, enabling it to start fermenting and preparing the dough for rising.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- Combine Flour and Salt: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups (500g) of flour with 12g of salt.
- Add Yeast Mixture: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and salt. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Proper kneading is essential for developing the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its structure and texture.
Step 4: Let it Rise
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a clean bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. During this time, the yeast ferments the dough, producing carbon dioxide that causes it to rise.
Step 5: Shape the Loaves
- Punch Down and Shape: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any trapped air bubbles. Divide the dough into portions and shape them into loaves.
- Prepare for Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat and Bake
- Preheat Oven: While the loaves are undergoing their second rise, preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Bake the Loaves: Once the loaves have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The bread is ready when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
The Importance of Yeast
Yeast is the magical ingredient that makes bread rise. As a living organism, yeast feeds on the sugars present in flour, producing carbon dioxide gas as a byproduct. This gas gets trapped in the dough’s gluten network, causing it to expand and rise, resulting in a light, airy loaf.
Kneading: The Heart of Bread Making
Kneading is crucial for developing the gluten in the dough. Gluten is the protein that gives bread its structure and elasticity. Proper kneading ensures that your bread turns out light and fluffy rather than dense and tough.
Patience Pays Off: Letting the Dough Rise
Allowing the dough to rise is essential for developing its flavor and texture. As the yeast ferments, it produces carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to expand. This results in a loaf that is both light and full of flavor.
Shaping Your Loaves
Shaping the dough into loaves not only makes for a visually appealing product but also ensures even baking. Take your time to shape the loaves properly, making sure they are uniform in size and shape for consistent results.
The Art of Baking
Baking is where the magic happens. The oven’s heat causes the dough to undergo a final burst of expansion, creating airy pockets within the bread. As the bread bakes, it transforms from raw dough into a golden brown masterpiece.
Achieving that Golden Brown Crust
The key to a golden brown crust lies in the oven’s temperature. A hot oven encourages rapid expansion in the dough, resulting in a crisp exterior. Additionally, creating a steamy environment in the oven during the first few minutes of baking can help develop a glossy crust.
Conclusion
This Homemade Bread recipe is a foolproof way to achieve bakery-quality bread in the comfort of your home. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a delicious loaf with a perfect crust and soft interior. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to bread-making, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own bread, and savor every bite of the amazing results!
