How to Make Homemade Bread

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How to Make Homemade Bread Recipe is simple with step-by-step instructions for the most delicious and fluffy Loaf of Bread! It tastes so Much better than Store-Bought bread.

I have to confess, I am a pretty good baker (better than cooking, lol) and have tried several recipes on how to make homemade bread, and I have found the recipe below is by far the best.

We love homemade bread, and I try to make it often as I can. As soon as the aroma fills the house, my clan can not wait to dig in. 

Please note: The recipe below makes two loaves of bread.

What are the ingredients used in making bread?

6 1/2 c Bread Flour

3 TBL Sugar

1 TBL Salt

2 TBL Crisco Shortening

2 Packages of Active Dry Yeast

21/4 c Warm Water

1-2 TBL Melted Butter (optional)

Directions for How to Make Homemade Bread

1. Add 3 cups of bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt to a large bowl. Use a stand mixer or hand mix until all dry ingredients are well blended. Add warm water slowly. Beat for one minute, scraping the bowl frequently. Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time, leaving half a cup of flour aside; this will help make dough easy to handle.
2. Place dough onto a lightly floured surface & knead the dough for 8-10 minutes or until dough becomes smooth and springy. 
3. Grease your bowl with shortening, or cooking spray, roll dough into the bowl until all sides of the dough have been greased.
4. Place a tea towel over the dough & let it rise in a warm area for about 40-50 minutes. The dough will have doubled in size and is ready when indentation remains when touched.
5. Gently push your fist in the center of the dough to deflate.
6. Divide your dough in half.
7. Knead each half of the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.
8. Flatten the dough to a 12-inch rectangle shape on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin.
9. Fold the ends under load and place in greased loaf pans.
10. Cover loaf pans with a tea towel & place in a warm area for 40-50 minutes until dough in loaf pans have doubled in size.
11. Pre-heat oven to 425* F. Lower oven rack to the middle position.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bread loaves are dark golden brown.
13. Carefully remove loaves from pans to cool. 
14. Brush on melted butter if you desire.

 Tip: When using a stand mixer, use a dough hook to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes.

How to use the Thump test?

Thump the loaf; if it sounds hollow, your loaf is ready to enjoy!

What is the best flour for making homemade bread?

Bread Flour or All-Purpose is the best; however, you can use flour for quick bread, such as self-rising flour that does not require yeast which needs time and fermentation to make the dough rise.

Can you use all-purpose flour for bread?

Yes, you can make bread from all-purpose flour; however, Bread flour has more protein, forming the gluten that helps support and structure your loaf. So, it’s best to use bread flour; however, if you only have all-purpose flour on hand, you can use it in a pinch!

Do I need a Bread Maker or Stand Mixer?

No, of course not! It will make the process a lot easier. However, a large bowl spoon will do just fine. You will knead your dough with your hands.

How do you keep homemade bread fresh?

Bread can be stored in a plastic bag in a cooled, dry bread thoroughly in plastic. Be sure there is no moisture or condensation in the bag, or the bread may become moldy.

Can I store homemade bread in the Freezer?

Yes! You can store bread in the freezer for up to 2 months. If kept longer, the bread may lose its flavor.

Can this be made in a Bread Machine?

Yes, absolutely! However I am experienced with using bread machines, but my friend Jill over at Locklear Farm has instructions on just how to do so and has a gluten-free bread recipe too!

Until next time y’all!

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