Golden Crust Homemade Bread – The Simple Joy of Baking from Scratch
Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked homemade bread! This easy-to-make loaf is soft on the inside with a golden, crisp crust, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm with butter. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a bakery-style loaf straight from your own kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ teaspoon dry active yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast – In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead and Let Rise – Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise – Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased bread pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool and Serve – Let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter or as the base for your favorite sandwich!
Notes
- Check your yeast – If it doesn’t foam during activation, it may be expired.
- Crispy crust tip – Brush with water before baking or place a pan of water in the oven.
- Storage – Store at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make it your own – Add herbs, garlic, or seeds for extra flavor.