Best Beginner Bread Recipe
When I first started making bread, I didn't know much beyond using a bread machine, which did all the work for me. But as I grew more confident in the kitchen, I discovered this simple and easy recipe that's perfect for beginners. Now, it's a staple in our house, and I can't imagine a week without the smell of fresh bread filling our home. If you're new to bread making, this is the best recipe to start with—it's straightforward, delicious, and will make you feel like a pro in no time!
Prep Time:15 minutes minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes minutes
Rising Time:1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
Total Time:2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings:2 Loaves
White Bread
By: Julia Foerster
Ingredients
▢1 2/3 cups lukewarm water, divided
▢2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, or active dry yeast
▢1 tsp sugar
▢1 Tbsp honey, (or more sugar)
▢1 tsp salt
▢1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cubed at room temperature
▢4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
▢1 1/2 Tbsp butter, melted for brushing
Instructions
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook combine the instant yeast, sugar, and half of the lukewarm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy (if using active dry yeast, let sit for 15 minutes).
Add remaining water, honey, salt, cubed butter, and 4 cups flour to the bowl. Knead at low speed until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky. Add a few more tablespoons flour if necessary. Continue to knead for 6-9 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is soft and smooth.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and make sure that it is completely coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm and draft-free place for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough onto it. Divide it into two equally sized portions. Use your fingers to gently pat each half into an 8×12 inch rectangle while pressing it all over to remove any air pockets. Starting at the short end, roll up the rectangle into a tight roll and pinch the seams to seal. Tuck the ends of the roll slightly under the roll to create some tension on the surface and place each loaf into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan tucked ends and seam side down. Cover with a greased piece of plastic wrap and let rise for about 45 minutes in a warm and draft-free place until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 390 degrees F and adjust oven rack to lower-middle position.
Bake loaves for 25-30 minutes until golden brown (and the loaf registers 208 to 210 degrees).
Invert bread onto a cooling rack. Reinvert loaves and brush tops and sides with melted butter. Let cool completely before slicing.
Pan Size: This recipe makes two standard loaves using 8×4-inch pans or one large loaf in a 9×5-inch pan. For the large loaf, simply shape the dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle and bake for 30-35 minutes. I enjoy 1 8x4 pan for a more mushroom look!
No Stand Mixer: If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can easily knead this dough by hand. Use a large bowl and knead for about 10 minutes to achieve the right texture.
Butter: You can use salted butter in this recipe. I still recommend adding the teaspoon of salt, as the butter quantity is minimal. If you’re sensitive to salt, reduce it to 3/4 teaspoon. Vegan butter or margarine can also be substituted. DO NOT mix salt and yeast together right away as it can effect the yeast and outcome!
Flour: This recipe works with both all-purpose and bread flour. Bread flour will give a slightly chewier, more elastic crumb, but all-purpose flour is a great alternative if that’s what you have on hand. Avoid using self-rising flour.
Lukewarm Water: Make sure the water is warm, not hot—between 95°F and 110°F is ideal. If you don’t have a thermometer, I recommenced you use water that is slightly warmer that you wash your hands with.
Happy Baking!
Brooke
Hello Gorgeous Threads
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog! I’m Brooke, a homeschool mom with a deep love for French Country elegance and a growing passion for Cottagecore. My journey began with a fascination for the timeless charm of French Country style, and as I embraced the beauty of simplicity, I naturally gravitated towards Cottagecore. Over time, I’ve woven these two aesthetics together, creating a cozy, sustainable home that reflects the best of both worlds. From baking and gardening to curating unique, eco-friendly pieces for my shop, I’m dedicated to savoring life’s simple pleasures and sharing them with you. I’m thrilled to connect with like-minded women and offer consignment services to help cherished items find new homes. Thank you for joining me on this journey—I can’t wait to share more about the enchanting blend of French Country and Cottagecore living with you!
