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Homemade Bread

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

  1. 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).
  2. 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

  1. Add Oil and Salt:
    • Add 7 cups of sunflower seed oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Punch Down:
    • After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare Pan:
    • Grease a loaf pan with butter. Place the shaped dough into the prepared pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

  1. 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

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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!