Easy Homemade Bread Recipe

This Easy Homemade Bread is the perfect beginner-friendly recipe that yields soft, slightly sweet loaves with minimal effort. Using honey as a natural sweetener gives the bread a rich flavor and tender texture, making it ideal for sandwiches, toasts, or as a standalone snack. With just five ingredients, you can enjoy the comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked bread in no time.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (about 110°F, not too hot to touch)
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1 3/4 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 6 cups bread flour

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm water and honey until the honey dissolves completely. Add the yeast, stir gently, and cover the bowl with a clean towel.
   • Let the mixture sit for 10-20 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, a sign that the yeast is activated.
2. Combine the Dough Ingredients
   • Stir in the salt, then begin adding the bread flour one cup at a time. Use a whisk for the first three cups to ensure smooth mixing. Switch to a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for the remaining three cups as the dough becomes thicker.
3. Knead the Dough
   • Sprinkle a little extra flour on your hands to prevent sticking. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes directly in the mixing bowl to save cleanup time. The dough should be smooth and elastic when done.
4. Let the Dough Rise
   • Transfer the dough to a large, greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Punch and Shape the Dough
   • Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air. Knead it for an additional 2 minutes, then divide it into two portions. Place each portion into a lightly greased loaf pan, shaping it evenly. Cover the pans with the towel and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.
6. Bake the Bread
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

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Tips for Success

• Temperature Matters: Use water that’s warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Check Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable.
• Let It Rest: Be patient during the rising stages; this allows the gluten to develop, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Honey Tip: Baking at 325°F instead of 350°F prevents the honey from browning the crust too quickly.
• Storage: Keep your bread in an airtight container or bread bag to maintain freshness. It freezes well for up to 2 months; just slice before freezing for easy use.

Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this warm, wholesome bread from scratch. It’s perfect for any meal or occasion, bringing homemade goodness to your table!