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A loaf of golden-brown bread sits on a wooden cutting board, with several slices cut and one slice resting against the loaf. Crumbs are scattered around on the board.
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Homemade Bread

This classic homemade bread recipe requires simple ingredients like yeast, flour, and water, and involves multiple rising periods for a soft, flavorful loaf. Enjoy fresh-baked bread with butter, perfect for toast or sandwiches.
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword Homemade Bread
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rise Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings 2 Medium Loaves
Author Heidi Bruaw

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 Cake Dry Yeast
  • 1 Tablespoon Sugar
  • 1½ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Melted Shortening
  • 1½ Cups Lukewarm Water
  • 5 Cups Flour
  • 1 Tablespoon Butter optional

Instructions

  • Soften yeast in ¼ cup of lukewarm water.
  • Stir for approximately 5 minutes, until mixture is foamy and smells yeasty.
  • Add sugar, salt, and shortening.
  • Add the rest of the water (1¼ Cups).
  • Add flour one cup at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition until the dough is just stiff enough to knead.
  • Place on lightly floured board.
  • Knead until dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Cover with a warm, damp cloth.
  • Put in warm place and allow to double in size.
  • Work down, cover with a warm, damp cloth, and allow dough to again double in size.
  • Work down lightly.
  • Form into 2 loaves.
  • Put in well-oiled bread pans.
  • Cover with a warm, damp cloth.
  • Put in a warm place, cover, and let rise until double in size.
  • Bake at 450° for 15 minutes.
  • Lower heat and continue baking (410°-425°) for an additional 25-30 minutes.
  • Place a tablespoon of butter on top (if you wish) of each loaf and allow to melt.

Notes

Helpful Tips
  • If you have packets of yeast like I did, empty one packet into ¼ cup lukewarm water and stir for about 5 minutes (until it is foamy and smells yeasty).
  • Expect it to take 4-5 hours from start to finish.
  • Give the dough enough time to rise. Look for the dough to double in size rather than watching the clock. A warm, draft-free spot helps a lot.
  • Add flour gradually. Stop once the dough is soft and slightly tacky. Too much flour can make the loaves dense.
  • Knead until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel springy and hold its shape; this is what gives you that classic fluffy texture.
  • Don’t skip the second rise. It’s what helps the bread bake up light instead of heavy.