Description
Soft and fluffy homemade bread made with simple pantry ingredients, baked into two golden loaves with a tender crumb that are perfect for sandwiches, toast, or serving warm with butter and jam.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (105–115°F / 474 g)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup honey (85 g) or granulated sugar (50 g)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons canola oil or vegetable oil (30 ml)
- 4 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour (500–688 g)
- Butter for brushing tops after baking (optional)
Instructions
- Add warm water to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl. Stir in yeast and a pinch of the honey or sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining honey or sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
- Add another cup of flour and continue mixing. Gradually add more flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels smooth and elastic.
- Knead the dough for 4–5 minutes in a stand mixer or 5–8 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
- Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans and line bottoms with parchment if desired.
- Punch down the dough and divide into two equal pieces. Shape each into a loaf and place into prepared pans.
- Cover loosely and let rise again for 45–60 minutes until tops rise about 1 inch above the pan rims.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake loaves for 30–33 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Remove from pans and place on a wire rack. Brush tops with butter if desired and cool at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Bread flour creates a slightly chewier texture than all-purpose flour.
- The dough should feel smooth and slightly tacky, not dry or sticky.
- Do not add too much flour to maintain a soft crumb.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing for the best texture.
- Butter brushed on top softens the crust and adds flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
