Basic Homemade Bread
Learn everything you need to know about baking bread, all in one place. From gluten and yeast to enriched doughs, Foodal has it covered – plus our favorite basic bread recipe to get you started.
Servings Prep Time
1loaf 25minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25minutes 1.5hours
Servings Prep Time
1loaf 25minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
25minutes 1.5hours
Ingredients
  • 4cups all purpose flour
  • 2tablespoons sugar
  • 2teaspoons salt
  • 1tablespoon instant yeast
  • 2cups wateraround 100°F
Instructions
  1. Mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Form a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the water.
  2. Using a bowl scraper or clean hands, pull the flour mixture into the water and slowly work the ingredients together. Once the water is incorporated and the flour has formed a shaggy dough, turn it out onto a clean counter.
  3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until it forms a smooth ball and you can perform a successful windowpane test.
  4. Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl, covered with a damp towel. Allow to rest at room temperature for an hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the dough into your desired form.
  6. Let proof at room temperature until you can touch the top lightly and it springs slowly back into place.
  7. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, or until the inside of the bread reaches 180°F.