There’s something deeply satisfying about the aroma of fresh bread baking in your kitchen. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned home cook, this recipe for soft homemade bread delivers foolproof results. Made with simple pantry staples and requiring minimal kneading, it’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter straight from the oven.
Why Make Bread at Home?
Baking bread at home has multiple benefits:
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Freshness: No preservatives or additives.
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Control: Adjust salt, sweetness, and texture to your preference.
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Savings: Homemade bread is budget-friendly.
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Therapeutic: The process of kneading and watching dough rise is soothing and rewarding.
Ingredients for Soft Homemade Bread
This recipe makes two soft, fluffy loaves:
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2 1/4 cups warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
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1 tbsp active dry yeast
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp salt
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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6 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can sub 1 cup with whole wheat flour)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is alive and ready to work.
2. Mix the Dough
Add salt and softened butter to the bowl. Gradually stir in flour, one cup at a time. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead by hand on a floured surface or with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the top. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape into loaves and place in two greased 9x5-inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise again until the dough crowns about 1 inch over the pan tops, about 30-45 minutes.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake loaves for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. If tops are browning too quickly, tent with foil halfway through.
6. Cool and Serve
Remove from pans and cool on wire racks. Brush tops with melted butter for extra softness. Slice once fully cooled, or enjoy warm with butter.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf
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Check your yeast: Old or expired yeast won't rise well.
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Humidity matters: On humid days, you might need less water or more flour.
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Use bread flour: For an even chewier texture, substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
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No stand mixer? No problem. Hand-kneading works great, just takes a bit more elbow grease.
Variations to Try
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Honey Oat Bread: Replace sugar with honey and top with oats before baking.
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Garlic Herb Bread: Add 2 tsp dried Italian herbs and minced garlic to the dough.
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Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Roll in a cinnamon-sugar filling before shaping the loaf.
How to Store Homemade Bread
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Room temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic or store in a bread box for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Slice and freeze with parchment between slices. Reheat in the toaster.
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Avoid refrigeration: It can dry out the bread faster than storing at room temp.
Serving Suggestions
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Toast with butter and jam for breakfast
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Sandwiches or grilled cheese
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Dipping with soups, stews, or olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Final Thoughts
Soft homemade bread is one of the most satisfying things to bake. This beginner-friendly recipe is a reliable go-to for daily bread needs. With a tender crumb and golden crust, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll never look at store-bought loaves the same way again.
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