Homemade Bread

Soft, golden-brown homemade bread perfect for any occasion. This recipe guides you through the process of making delicious loaves with simple ingredients.

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% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, stir together the warm water, sugar, and yeast until combined. Let it stand for 5 minutes or until very foamy

Step 2

To the same bowl with the yeast mixture, add the flour, butter and salt. Mix on low speed for 1 minute until the dough comes together in a shaggy ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides into the dough ball.

Step 3

Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and continue to knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and springs back quickly when pressed with a finger. The dough should feel moist, but not sticky.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Flip the dough over once so that the top is also greased. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot (75°F) for 40 to 50 minutes, until nearly doubled in size and springs back slowly when pressed with a wet fingertip.

Step 5

Meanwhile, grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans with butter or baking spray.

Step 6

Punch down the dough and turn it onto a very lightly floured surface. Divide it into 2 equal pieces (630g each).

Step 7

Form each piece into an 8x12-inch rectangle. Starting with a short end, roll each piece into a tight log shape. Pinch the seams and tuck them under the loaf. Use a bench scraper to pick up the loaves and place them seam side down into the prepared loaf pans.

Step 8

Loosely cover both pans with plastic wrap sprayed with nonstick spray and let them rise again for 25 to 35 minutes, until the dough rises just above the top rim of the pan.

Step 9

While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 176.667°C. Once the loaves have risen, brush the top of each with additional melted butter, if desired.

Step 10

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then tip them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.