There’s something timeless and comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through a kitchen. In a world where convenience often trumps tradition, making your own bread is a small act of love — a return to simplicity. This recipe for Soft Homemade Bread makes two golden loaves that are tender, fluffy, and perfect for everything from morning toast to hearty sandwiches.
Whether you’re a first-time baker or someone who already enjoys the rhythm of kneading dough, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Bread
- Soft texture – This bread stays pillowy and moist for days.
- Simple ingredients – No preservatives or additives, just basic pantry staples.
- Versatile – Ideal for sandwiches, toast, French toast, or eating warm with butter.
- Makes two loaves – One for now, one to share or freeze for later.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 6 to 6 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired—start over with fresh yeast.
2. Make the Dough
Add salt and oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough begins to come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl. You may not need all 6 ½ cups — go slowly and stop when the dough is soft but not sticky.
3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for about 6 minutes.
4. First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the top. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it in half and shape each piece into a loaf. Place in two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until the dough crowns about 1 inch above the rims of the pans.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the tops sound hollow when tapped. For extra softness, brush the tops with butter right after they come out of the oven.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Let the loaves cool in the pans for 5–10 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing — if you can wait that long!
Tips for Best Results
- Room temperature ingredients help the yeast activate more reliably.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture (optional).
- Add-ins like honey, oats, or seeds can turn this basic loaf into something extra special.
- Freeze one loaf after baking and cooling. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
In today’s fast-paced world, baking your own bread may feel like a lost art, but this recipe proves it doesn’t have to be complicated. The reward? A home filled with the scent of warm bread, and the satisfaction of slicing into a soft loaf you made from scratch. Whether you’re serving it with soup, making grilled cheese, or simply slathering it with butter and jam, this soft homemade bread is bound to bring smiles around your table.