An Easy Homemade Bread - Just 5 Ingredients

Making homemade bread can seem like a big task, but it doesn't have to be! With this simple recipe, you can whip up delicious bread using just five ingredients. It’s perfect for beginners and busy moms who want to bake something yummy without spending all day in the kitchen. This bread is soft, slightly sweet from the honey, and makes the house smell wonderful as it bakes.

Why Make This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make this easy homemade bread! First, it’s cost-effective, allowing you to create fresh bread for much less than store-bought. Second, you control the ingredients; no preservatives or additives here! Finally, baking bread can be a fun family activity that involves everyone. Kids love to help and knead the dough, which makes it a great bonding experience.

How to Make An Easy Homemade Bread

Ingredients: 😍

2 Cups of Warm Water
2/3 Cup Honey
1 3/4 Tablespoons Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt
6 Cups Bread Flour

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, start by whisking together the warm water and honey. Mix until the honey completely dissolves.
Next, add the active dry yeast to the mixture and cover the bowl with a towel. Let it sit for about 10-20 minutes until it looks frothy and bubbly.
Once it’s ready, mix in the salt. Then, add the bread flour one cup at a time. It’s best to use a whisk for the first three cups, then switch to a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for the final three.
Now, dust a little extra flour onto your hands and knead the dough right in the bowl. Knead it for about five minutes. This is easier for cleanup!
After kneading, place the dough in a large, greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise for about an hour until it has doubled in size.
Once it has risen, punch down the dough for a minute or two. Knead it again for a couple of minutes.
Divide the dough into two lightly greased loaf pans and cover them with a towel. Let the loaves rise in the pans for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes. Baking at 325°F is ideal when using honey, as it prevents the bread from browning too quickly.

How to Serve An Easy Homemade Bread

Slice the bread warm and serve with butter, jam, or even honey for that extra touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a side with dinner. You can also use it to make toast or sandwiches, and it tastes great on its own!

How to Store An Easy Homemade Bread

Store your homemade bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer bag. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you are ready to enjoy it again.

Tips to Make An Easy Homemade Bread

Make sure your water is warm, not hot. Hot water can kill the yeast, and that’s not what you want!
Knead the dough well so that it is smooth. This helps with the bread’s texture.
You can add some herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor. Garlic powder or Italian herbs are good choices!

Variation (If Any)

You might want to try adding one cup of your favorite seeds, like sunflower seeds or flaxseeds, for some crunch and added nutrition. You can also substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! You can use instant yeast. Just follow the same steps and add it directly with the flour.

What if my dough doesn’t rise? Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm enough. If it’s too cold or too hot, the yeast may not activate properly.

Can I make rolls with this recipe? Absolutely! Shape the dough into rolls instead of loaves and adjust the bake time accordingly, usually around 15-20 minutes.

Now you have a simple and tasty recipe for homemade bread! Enjoy baking with your family!