Easy Homemade Bread
Enjoy warm, crusty homemade bread with a soft interior, perfect for any meal or as a comforting snack, suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix yeast with warm water in a large bowl.
- Add sugar, salt, eggs, and butter; then add flour, mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
- Stir with a spoon until the mixture is uniform and well incorporated.
- Let the dough sit for 1 hour to rise.
- Grease and flour hands; divide the dough into 3 loaves.
- Place the loaves into greased pans.
- Cover with a towel and let sit for 40 minutes to rise again.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast effectively. If you don't have bread flour, all-purpose flour works fine but may yield a slightly different texture. You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a dairy-free option. If you want to experiment, add herbs or cheese to the dough for unique flavors, similar to those found in Shirley's Yeast Rolls.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade bread is delicious on its own or served with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with soups and stews. For a delightful breakfast, serve it with scrambled eggs or use it to make sandwiches. You can also toast slices for a crunchy texture, perfect for topping with spreads. For dessert, consider serving with Strawberry Bavarian Dessert for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Homemade Bread contains roughly 1468 calories, with 30g protein, 249g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), protein (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of dry yeast. Just add it directly to the flour instead of activating it in water. The rising time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on your dough.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to expired yeast or water that was too hot or cold. Make sure to check the yeast's expiration date and ensure the water is the right temperature. You can try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.
Can I add other ingredients to this bread recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like chopped herbs, cheese, or nuts to the dough for added flavor. Just be mindful of the total flour amount, as adding too many extras can affect the dough's consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).