Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. This Homemade Bread Magic recipe is simple enough for beginners yet produces bakery-quality loaves with a soft, tender crumb and golden crust. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter, it’s the kind of bread you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients (Makes 2 loaves)
- 5–6 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
- Make dough: Stir in butter and salt. Add flour one cup at a time, mixing until dough comes together. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape loaves: Punch down dough, divide into two portions, and shape into loaves. Place in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Second rise: Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes, or until dough is about 1 inch above pan edges.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake loaves for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool & serve: Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm with butter or jam.
Tips & Variations
- Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Add herbs, garlic powder, or cheese for flavored bread.
- Brush tops with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
- Freeze extra loaves — they thaw beautifully and taste fresh-baked.
Enjoy !!
