If you dream of fresh, bakery-style bread with a fluffy, airy crumb and a perfectly crispy crust, this easy homemade recipe is exactly what you need! No bread machine or fancy ingredients required — just a few basic pantry staples and a little patience. The result is absolutely worth it! 🍞✨
Ingredients (for 1 medium loaf)
- 500 g white wheat flour (type 550 or 650)
- 7 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 1 level teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 350 ml warm water
- 1 tablespoon oil (optional, for extra softness)
Step-by-Step Preparation 🏠
1. Activate the yeast In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with the sugar and 100 ml warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for 10–15 minutes until it becomes foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast is old.
2. Make the dough In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and the remaining warm water. Add the oil if using. Mix with a spoon until a sticky dough forms, then knead by hand for 10–15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. First rise Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the loaf Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead to release air, then shape into a round, oval, or baguette. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or in a loaf tin. Cover and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes.
5. Bake Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Place a tray with hot water on the bottom of the oven (this creates steam for a crispy crust). Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake at 220°C for 15 minutes, then reduce to 200°C and bake for another 35–40 minutes, until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
6. Cool Remove from the tray and cool completely on a wire rack. Do not slice while hot!
Pro Tips for Perfect Bread 💡
- For even better flavor, let the dough rise slowly in the fridge overnight.
- Bake in a preheated cast-iron pot for an extra-crispy crust.
- Brush the hot bread with a little salted water for a beautiful shine.
- Use high-quality flour for the best results.
Conclusion 🌈
This homemade bread is soft and airy inside with a wonderfully crispy crust — just like from a traditional bakery! Fresh, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll never want store-bought bread again! 🍞❤️
Disclaimer: This is a traditional homemade recipe. Results may vary depending on flour type and room temperature. ⚕️
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