Baking homemade bread is a rewarding and satisfying experience. This recipe yields a soft and flavorful loaf with a golden crust. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter, this homemade bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 3/4 cup hot milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 7 cups + 1 teaspoon sunflower seed oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups wheat flour, or as needed
- Butter (for greasing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- Combine Water and Milk:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and hot milk. The mixture should be warm to the touch, about 110°F (43°C).
- Add Yeast and Sugar:
- Sprinkle the dry yeast over the warm liquid mixture and add the sugar. Stir gently to combine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Add Oil and Salt:
- Add 7 cups of sunflower seed oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add Flour:
- Gradually add the wheat flour, one cup at a time, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. You may need slightly more or less than 6 cups of flour, depending on humidity and other factors.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Knead:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: First Rise
- Oil the Bowl:
- Grease a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of sunflower seed oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil.
- Let Rise:
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Punch Down:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Shape:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into two equal parts for smaller loaves.
- Prepare Pan:
- Grease a loaf pan with butter. Place the shaped dough into the prepared pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Let Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake:
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the bread has cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy this homemade bread with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Yeast Activation: Ensure the water and milk mixture is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure it doubles in size.
Variations
Herb Bread
- Add Herbs:
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a fragrant herb bread.
Cheese Bread
- Add Cheese:
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese into the dough for a cheesy twist.
Whole Wheat Bread
- Use Whole Wheat Flour:
- Substitute half of the wheat flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
With Butter and Jam
- Classic Pairing:
- Enjoy fresh bread slices with butter and your favorite jam for a simple and delicious snack.
With Soup
- Comforting Meal:
- Serve the bread alongside a bowl of hot soup for a comforting meal.
With Sandwiches
- Sandwich Bread:
- Use the homemade bread for making sandwiches. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the bread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a plastic bag for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use a bread machine for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use a bread machine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding ingredients and use the basic bread cycle.
Q: Can I add seeds or nuts to the bread? A: Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of your favorite seeds or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil? A: Yes, you can use other vegetable oils such as canola oil or olive oil in place of sunflower seed oil.
Baking homemade bread is a delightful and rewarding experience. This simple recipe yields a delicious loaf with a soft texture and golden crust. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this homemade bread is sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty bread with your family and friends!
