🍞 Homemade Bread (Soft & Fluffy Loaf)
Makes: 1 standard loaf
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rise time: 1–2 hours
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
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3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose or bread flour
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1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 38–40°C / 100–105°F)
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2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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2 tbsp sugar (or honey)
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1½ tsp salt
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2 tbsp butter (softened) or oil
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the yeast
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In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar.
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Sprinkle yeast on top.
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Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Make the dough
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Add flour, salt, and butter/oil.
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Mix until a rough dough forms.
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Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
(If sticky, add a little flour; if dry, add 1 tbsp water.)
3️⃣ First rise
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Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
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Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
4️⃣ Shape
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Punch down the dough gently.
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Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes, until slightly above the pan edge.
5️⃣ Bake
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Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
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Bread should sound hollow when tapped.
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Cool completely before slicing.
🔥 Pro Tips
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Brush top with melted butter after baking for a soft crust.
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For crustier bread, place a small pan of hot water in the oven while baking.
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Use bread flour for chewier texture.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
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🥖 No-knead version
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🌾 Whole wheat bread
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🍯 Sweet milk bread
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🧄 Garlic herb bread