The Best Homemade Bread Recipe

I honestly can’t think of a better aroma than fresh baked, homemade bread. Once you have tasted a good homemade bread, it is hard to go back to store bought bread. Most people don’t make their own bread because they think it takes all day or is just difficult to do. I must admit that I was also one of those people. It is just easier to pick bread from the store and be done with it. While that might be true, I will wholeheartedly tell you that your taste buds are missing out!

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It might take a bit more effort but it is possible to make an amazing bread, from scratch at your home. Not only will you be able to serve your family great tasting bread but you will also be in control of the ingredients. I want you to go in your pantry right now and take a look at the ingredients of your store bought bread. If there is a laundry list of ingredients, most of which you can’t pronounce, you should be rethinking the bread you are eating. Reading those labels was my wake up call. I tried so many different recipes and through some trial and error, came up with what I think is the BEST sweet bread recipe I have ever eaten.

Here is what you need:

1 Cup               Warm Water (110° F)

1/3 Cup           Sugar

1 Packet          Active Dry Yeast

1 TSP               Salt

2 TBP              Oil (I used Sunflower oil) 

1 TBP              Honey (Optional- I personal love the flavor honey give bread)

2.5-3 Cups     Flour

Instructions:

• Combine the warm water, sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Let it proof for about 10 minutes. The yeast mixture will have a creamy foam on top.

          

• Mix in the oil, honey and salt.
•  Slowly mix in the flour a little bit at a time. I use a mixer with the dough attachments. You can use a large spoon but it will take a bit longer. Use as much flour as you need to make a non-sticky dough. (It will be a little sticky but not so sticky that you can’t knead it)

         

• Flour a cutting board or a clean counter top and knead for 5 minutes.
• Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let is rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
• 
• Once the dough has risen you will knead again for 3-5 minutes. ( A second knead is not mandatory but highly recommended. It will ensure a finer gluten structure and you wont end up with big holes in your bread once it’s baked.) During the 2nd knead it will shrink a bit again. This is normal.
• Let is rise again for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until it has doubled in size again.
• Place the dough into a buttered 9×5″ loaf pan.

         

• Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Place on a wire Rack to cool.

         

I also make a honey butter with this recipe. All I do is melt 1/4 cup of butter with 1 TBS of honey and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then I brush it on the top of the loaf right after the bread comes out of the oven. It is an amazing touch if you like a bit more sweetness to the bread.

I must note that although there is some sugar and honey in this recipe, it’s not overly sweet. I personal like a sweet bread and that is why I brush on some honey butter after the loaf is baked. You can omit this part and just eat the bread as is. It is still very delicious!

So let’s break down the facts. Will this take you a longer time than just getting store bought bread? YES! Sorry if you wanted a different answer here but the truth is that while it will take you more time, it is not that hard to do. This recipe is very easy and you could be well on your way to never buying bread again.

What do you think about this recipe? Do you want to try it? If you have tried it please let me a comment below and let me know how it turned out!

Until Next Time!

Eva