Homemade Bread
🕒 Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
🥖 Yield: 2 loaves
Description:
Bringing the heartwarming essence of freshly baked bread from the bustling school cafeteria to the cozy confines of your home, this homemade bread recipe has been meticulously adapted for home use. Perfected over time, it has earned its place as the star of holiday gatherings, with its tantalizing aroma and comforting taste. Embrace the joy of bread-making and savor the fruits of your labor with each delightful slice.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | active dry yeast |
| 2 cups | water |
| 6 cups | bread flour |
| 2/3 cup | dry milk |
| 2 1/2 tsp | baking powder |
| 1 1/2 tsp | salt |
| 1/2 cup | sugar |
| 1/2 cup | oil |
Instructions
-
Prepare Yeast Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast and water. Mix thoroughly and set aside to activate.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a very large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, dry milk, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
-
Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- Add the oil and the activated yeast mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients.
-
Combine and Knead:
- Mix the ingredients well, either by hand or using a mixer with a dough hook attachment, until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
-
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
-
Knead Again:
- After the first rise, gently punch down the dough and knead it for another 5-10 minutes to release any air bubbles.
-
Shape and Prepare Pans:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into loaves.
- Prepare baking pans by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray or lightly oiling them.
-
Final Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into the prepared pans and cover them loosely with a kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
-
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Once the dough has completed its final rise, bake the loaves in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- The internal temperature of the bread should register around 190-200°F (88-93°C).
-
Finishing Touch (Optional):
- For an extra touch of indulgence, brush the baked loaves with melted butter while they are still warm.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice into thick, hearty slices and serve warm with a spread of butter or your favorite jam. Alternatively, use this versatile bread to create delicious sandwiches, savory toast, or even decadent French toast. Let the aroma of freshly baked bread fill your home and the taste transport you to a place of comfort and contentment. With each bite, relish in the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created something truly special from scratch.