Introduction
Making homemade bread is a rewarding and simple process that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of fresh baking.
This easy homemade bread recipe requires just a few basic ingredients, yet it produces a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden-brown.
crust that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
-10g sugar
-10g dry yeast
-400ml warm milk
-30ml olive oil
-40g yogurt
-600g flour (plus extra for dusting)
-8g salt
Instructions
Start by preparing the yeast mixture. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar into warm milk and sprinkle the dry yeast over the top.
Let this sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring the yeast is activated and ready to help the dough rise.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Once mixed, create a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, and yogurt.
Using a spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until they form a rough dough. As the ingredients combine.
the dough will start to come together. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and begin kneading. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes.
smooth and elastic. The kneading process helps to activate the gluten in the flour, giving the bread its texture and structure.
Once kneaded, form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
During this time, the dough should double in size as the yeast works its magic.
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough back onto the floured.
surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into rolls, depending on your preference. Once shaped, place the dough on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
Let the dough rise again for about 15 to 20 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Once the dough has risen and the oven is ready, bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
How to Make
Start by dissolving the sugar in warm milk. This helps activate the yeast.
Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, which indicates the yeast is active.
Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
then pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and yogurt. Mix everything together until a rough dough forms.
The yogurt will help make the bread soft and tender, while the olive oil adds richness.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes. Kneading helps the dough develop its structure and elasticity.
When the dough is smooth and springy to the touch, it’s ready for the next step.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour.
This gives the dough time to expand and become light and airy, which is key for the texture of the bread.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured.
surface and shape it into your desired form, whether it’s a loaf or smaller rolls. Place the shaped dough onto a baking tray or into a loaf pan.
Allow the dough to rise again for another 15 to 20 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Once the dough is ready, bake it for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
This homemade bread is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later use.
Tips
To ensure your bread rises properly, make sure the milk is warm, not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature of about 37°C (98°F) for the best results.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar. A tablespoon of honey or maple syrup can also be added for a natural sweetness and extra flavor.
For a more rustic texture, you can substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour. This adds fiber and a hearty taste to your bread.
Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to account for the denser flour.
If you’re making bread rolls instead of a loaf, be sure to space them evenly on the baking sheet to allow for proper expansion.
during the second rise. This will ensure that your rolls bake evenly and become light and fluffy.
For a crispier crust, you can place a small dish of water in the bottom of the oven while the bread bakes.
The steam created will help achieve a golden, crunchy exterior. Alternatively, brushing the dough with olive oil before baking will give it a softer, shiny crust.
If you find the dough is too sticky to work with, you can sprinkle a little more flour onto the surface while kneading.
However, be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the bread dense.
To test if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes and test again.
Conclusion
Homemade bread is an enjoyable and simple project that brings both satisfaction and delicious results.
With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a loaf of bread that is far superior to store-bought options, providing you with the perfect addition to any meal.
By following the steps and tips outlined, you can ensure that your homemade bread turns out soft, flavorful, and perfectly baked every time.
Whether you’re baking for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, this easy homemade bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys fresh, comforting baked goods.