How to Make Bread

Bake a simple homemade loaf with 4 ingredients

⚡Quick Answer

Mix flour, salt, yeast, water. Knead 10 min (or no-knead 12+ hrs). Rise 1-2 hrs. Shape, rise 30 min. Bake 425°F for 30-35 min.

Combine 3 cups flour, 1½ tsp salt, 1 tsp yeast, and 1½ cups warm water. Mix until shaggy dough forms.

💡Use bread flour for chewier texture, all-purpose for softer bread.

Knead on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Should spring back when poked.

💡Or let it rest 12-18 hours (no-knead method) - gluten develops on its own.

Place in oiled bowl, cover with towel. Let rise 1-2 hours until doubled. Punch down, shape into loaf.

💡Warm spot speeds rising. Cold (fridge overnight) develops more flavor.

Place in greased loaf pan or on baking sheet. Let rise 30 min. Bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.

💡For crusty crust, add a pan of water in the oven for steam.

Dead yeast (expired or killed by too-hot water), cold environment, or not enough time. Water should be 105-110°F.

Golden brown, sounds hollow when tapped on bottom, internal temp 190-200°F.

Yes! Use baking powder/soda for quick breads (like banana bread), or sourdough starter for wild yeast.

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