This recipe makes the perfect homemade bread—soft, fluffy, and delicious. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to prepare it.

Homemade Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 5 1/2 to 6 cups bread flour

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • Begin by dissolving the sugar into the warm water (between 110°F to 115°F). The warm water helps the yeast activate properly.
   • Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and stir gently to mix. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is known as proofing the yeast. If the mixture doesn’t froth, the yeast may be expired, and it’s best to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Mixing the Dough:
   • Add salt, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and half of the bread flour into the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
   • Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until you get a sticky dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Once all the flour is added, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 7–10 minutes. You’ll know the dough is ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to over-flour it, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
4. First Rise:
   • Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Turn the dough around a few times to coat it lightly with oil, then cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise, which gives the dough its airy texture.
5. Shape the Loaves:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
   • Shape each portion into a loaf by folding in the sides and rolling it up tightly. Place the shaped loaves into greased loaf pans.
6. Second Rise:
   • Cover the pans with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise again for about 30-40 minutes. The dough should rise just above the edge of the pans by 1 inch. This is the second rise, which will help achieve a light, fluffy loaf.
7. Bake the Bread:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen properly, bake the loaves for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know the bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Brush with Butter and Cool:
   • After removing the loaves from the oven, brush the tops with a bit of butter for a soft, golden finish. Let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it fresh! This homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying on its own with butter. Happy baking!