Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
Category: Breads
Servings: 4
Making homemade bread is a rewarding experience, and this simple recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delicious, soft loaf with a crispy crust. This easy homemade bread recipe requires minimal ingredients, a bit of patience, and some hands-on love. The steps are simple, but the result is a bakery-quality loaf that will fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of fresh bread. Perfect for beginners, this recipe will have you baking with ease in no time!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Type 0) | 500g |
| Water | 375g |
| Fresh brewer’s yeast | 10g |
| Honey | 10g |
| Fine salt | 15g |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix them together well using a wooden spoon. Gradually pour in the water, followed by the crumbled fresh yeast and honey. Stir everything together until the dough begins to form. You should end up with a slightly sticky and soft dough. Don’t worry if it feels a bit too sticky; this is normal. Use a bench scraper to clean the spoon and sides of the bowl. -
Rest the dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. This resting period helps the dough to hydrate and relax, making it easier to handle. -
First fold of the dough
After the dough has rested, remove the covering and perform the first fold. Wet your hands lightly with water, then gently lift one edge of the dough, fold it toward the center, and repeat this action for the other three sides of the dough. You should perform a total of four folds, ensuring the dough is well-coordinated with its edges overlapping. Re-cover the dough and let it rest for another 15 minutes. -
Second fold and rest
Once the second resting period is over, repeat the folding process. Wet your hands, perform the folds again, and cover the dough. Allow it to rest for another 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the dough’s growth—if the room temperature is warm, it may rise a bit quicker. -
Shaping the dough
Once the dough has gone through its second round of folds, it’s time to shape it. Lightly dust a kitchen towel with flour and gently transfer the dough onto the towel, shaping it into a rough square. Fold the left and right edges of the dough towards the center, then carefully lift the towel and transfer the dough into a 20 cm round bowl. Sprinkle a little flour over the dough’s surface, cover it, and let it rest until ready for the next step. -
Preheat the oven and prepare the pot
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid (such as a Dutch oven) into the oven while it heats up. This will ensure the bread bakes in a steamy environment, which results in a wonderfully crispy crust. -
Transfer the dough to the pot
When the dough has rested and the oven is hot, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Lift the dough with the towel and gently lower it into the hot pot with the parchment paper underneath. Dust the surface of the dough with a little more flour, and using a sharp knife, score the top of the dough with a cross or any pattern you prefer. -
Bake the bread
Cover the pot with its lid and return it to the oven. Bake the bread for about 30 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the crust to become golden and crisp. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully baked. -
Cool and serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Slice the bread once it has cooled slightly, and serve it warm with butter or your favorite spread.
Tips for Success
- Room temperature: If you find the dough is rising too quickly, it’s best to reduce the resting time. Always adjust the rising time based on the warmth of your kitchen.
- Use fresh yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise. If you are using dried yeast, you may need to adjust the amount used.
- Baking pot: Using a heavy, lidded pot like a Dutch oven helps create a steamy environment, which is key for achieving a beautiful, crisp crust.
This easy homemade bread is not only simple to prepare, but it also offers a rustic, hearty texture and flavor that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you enjoy it with a hearty soup or simply spread with butter, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy your homemade creation with your family and friends!
