Homemade Bread Recipe – Soft and Fluffy Loaves

There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked Homemade Bread filling your kitchen. This easy recipe creates soft, fluffy loaves with a golden crust, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or serving alongside your favorite meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple pantry ingredients
• Soft texture with a perfectly golden crust
• Beginner-friendly bread recipe
• Great for sandwiches, toast, and meal prep
• Freezer-friendly and family approved

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (105–115°F / 474g)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 4 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of the honey or sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add remaining honey or sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups flour. Mix until combined.
3. Add another cup of flour and continue mixing. Gradually add more flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides. The dough should feel smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the Homemade Bread dough for 4–5 minutes using a mixer or 5–8 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl and turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
7. Punch down the dough and divide into two equal portions. Shape into loaves and place into prepared pans.
8. Cover loosely and let rise again for 45–60 minutes until dough rises about 1 inch above the pans.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F.
10. Bake for 30–33 minutes until golden brown and the tops sound hollow when tapped.
11. Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack. Brush tops with butter if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Don’t add too much flour or the bread may become dense.
• Warm environments help dough rise faster.
• Brush with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
• Honey adds slightly more moisture and flavor than sugar.

Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 3 hours
• Yield: 2 loaves
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Notes: Vegetarian

Notes

• You can replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Add seeds or herbs for extra flavor.
• Serve warm with butter, jam, soups, or sandwiches.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fat: 2g

FAQ

Why didn’t my bread rise?

Your yeast may be expired, or the water temperature may have been too hot or too cold.

Can I freeze Homemade Bread?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best flour for bread?

Bread flour gives a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour creates a softer loaf.

Can I make this without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Kneading by hand works perfectly.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The crust should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Storage

• Store at room temperature in an airtight bag for 2–3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze tightly wrapped loaves for up to 3 months.
• Reheat slices in a toaster or warm oven.

Similar Recipes

• Healthy Banana Bread
• Rhubarb Bread Recipe Soft and Moist

Homemade Bread Recipe – Soft and Fluffy Loaves

Soft and fluffy Homemade Bread made with simple pantry ingredients.

Perfect for sandwiches, toast, and everyday baking.

Easy beginner-friendly bread recipe with golden crusts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Course Bread

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups warm water 105–115°F / 474g
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 4 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of the honey or sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• Add remaining honey or sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups flour. Mix until combined.
• Add another cup of flour and continue mixing. Gradually add more flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides. The dough should feel smooth and elastic.
• Knead the Homemade Bread dough for 4–5 minutes using a mixer or 5–8 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface.
• Place dough in a greased bowl and turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
• Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
• Punch down the dough and divide into two equal portions. Shape into loaves and place into prepared pans.
• Cover loosely and let rise again for 45–60 minutes until dough rises about 1 inch above the pans.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Bake for 30–33 minutes until golden brown and the tops sound hollow when tapped.
• Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack. Brush tops with butter if desired.

Notes

• You can replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Add seeds or herbs for extra flavor.
• Serve warm with butter, jam, soups, or sandwiches.

 

Conclusion

This Homemade Bread recipe is simple, reliable, and perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. With its soft texture and classic flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again for your family.