Nothing beats the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. Making a homemade loaf of bread is not only a delightful experience but also a rewarding one.

In this post, I will give you the recipe that always works and guide you through the step by step process of creating your own mouthwatering loaf of bread, right from the comfort of your home.

WHAT TO EXPECT.

This recipe will result in a soft, moist bread with a smooth, glossy crust.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS.

This recipe and step by step guide to making a homemade loaf of bread will work every time. One reason is because I will give you exact measurements. The best way to measure the ingredients for homemade loaf of bread is using a digital kitchen scale (Amazon Affiliate Link). The metric system is much more accurate when making baking. Too much or too little flour, for example, can significantly alter the outcome of the bread.

Another reason why this recipe will work is because I will explain in detail how to active your yeast. I’ll also tell you which brand of yeast I use! I get asked this all the time. Yeast is the foundation of any bread recipe and activating the yeast is important in every dough recipe that requires a rise.

This recipe is beginner friendly. You don’t need a bread machine or any specific bread making supplies to have a a successful outcome.

Lastly, if you are having any doubts that about this recipe, I offer to see for yourself. My instagram page shows a video of highlights of the homemade load of bread making process along with the final outcome. It is true that seeing is believing so I invite you to see for yourself here!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED IN MAKING HOMEMADE LOAF OF BREAD.

• Active Dry Yeast is what makes the dough rise. I use Fleischmann’s (Amazon Affiliate Link) brand and it’s my favorite brand of yeast to use when making bread.
• Sugar is used to feed the yeast, resulting in a better rise.
• Water is used as a dissolving agent and is responsible for the consistency of the bread. The water temperature is very important in a bread recipe and I will explain why later on in this post.
• Oil helps to tenderize the bread and keeps the bread moist for a longer time.
• Salt adds flavor.
• Egg white is brushed over the surface for the loaf of bread before baking, giving it a smooth, glazed texture.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS.

Activate the yeast mixture.

Activated yeast will be very important. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Give it a quick mix and set aside until activated and foamy. The water should be between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a food thermometer such as this one here (Amazon Affiliate link) for accurate measure.

Let the mixture rest at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. See picture below.

Mix dough ingredients .

In a large bowl combine 2 cups hot water, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, salt, and oil. Add about 4 cups of flour to the mixture and mix well. The mixture should be very sticky.

Add yeast to dough mixture.

Combine the frothy yeast in the dough mixture and mix well.

Add more flour.

Sift in about 1-2 more cups of flour until the dough comes together and forms a ball but is still very sticky.

Allow dough to rise.

Once the dough comes together, cover with kitchen towel and let dough rise until it has doubled in size. This can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the room temperature.

Divide and shape dough.

After the dough has risen, deflate it and divide it into 2 or 3 even sections.

Roll out each section onto a floured surface about 1/4 inch thick. Then, roll lengthwise like you would a jelly roll.

Place the loaves of bread onto a greased cookie sheet, making sure the the ends of the roll are tucked under.

Let loaves rise a second time and bake.

Slash the tops of the loaves every couple of inches and allow to rise another 30 more minutes while your oven preheats.

Brush top with egg white egg wash and bake at 400F for about 25-30 minutes. If the top begins to get too dark early on, cover lightly with aluminum foil.

Rest and slice.

After bread has baked, allow to rest about 10-15 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

My favorite way to enjoy bread is with my Sautéed Eggplant and Tomatoes! If you like bread and pasta, this homemade loaf of bread will be delicious paired with Paccheri Rigati and Chicken in Blush Sauce.