Basic bread recipe Recipe

This Basic bread recipe is a soft and fluffy recipe, which is made with strong bread flour and dried yeast. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, a straightforward guide for beginners, ready in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Basic bread recipe Ingredients

A simple, classic list for the perfect homemade loaf.

• 1kg strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 625ml tepid water
• 3 x 7g sachets of dried yeast (21g total)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 level tablespoon fine sea salt

How To Make Basic bread recipe

A step-by-step guide to making a perfect loaf from scratch.

1. Activate Yeast and Form Dough: Pile the flour onto a clean surface and make a large well in the center. Pour half of the tepid water into the well. Add the yeast, sugar, and salt and stir with a fork to dissolve. Slowly start to bring in the flour from the inside of the well until you have a thick, porridge-like consistency.
2. Bring the Dough Together: Add the remaining water and continue to incorporate the flour from the sides until it’s all mixed in and the dough is sticky. Flour your hands and pat and push the dough together to form a single shaggy mass.
3. Knead the Dough: This is the important part! On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough by pushing, folding, slapping, and rolling it for 4 to 5 minutes. Continue until you have a silky and elastic dough.
4. First Rise (Prove): Flour the top of your dough, place it in a bowl, and cover with cling film. Let it prove in a warm, draught-free place for about half an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape and Second Rise: Once the dough has risen, place it on your work surface and “knock the air out” by briefly kneading and squashing it for 30 seconds. Now, shape the dough into your desired loaf shape. Place it on a flour-dusted baking tray and let it prove for a second time for 30 minutes to an hour, until it has doubled in size again.
6. Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Very gently place your risen loaf into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap its bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Tips

For a perfect, soft, and crusty loaf every time.

• How do I know when the bread is cooked? The traditional and most reliable test is to turn the loaf over (using an oven glove!) and give the bottom a firm tap with your knuckles. If it sounds hollow, like a drum, it’s cooked through. If it makes a dull thud, it needs a little longer.
• Why is my dough so sticky? A sticky dough is completely normal, especially at the beginning. It’s a sign that the flour is well-hydrated. Use a light dusting of flour on your hands and work surface to make it manageable, but try not to add too much extra flour, as this can make the bread dense.
• What is “proving” and why do it twice? Proving (or proofing) is the process of letting the yeast work its magic, creating gas bubbles that make the bread rise. The first prove develops the flavor and texture of the dough. After knocking it back, the second prove is what creates the final airy structure for a light, soft loaf.
• What’s a good warm spot for proving dough? An oven that is turned off with only the oven light on is a great, draught-free spot. You can also place the bowl in a sunny spot in your kitchen or near a warm (but not hot) radiator.

What To Serve With Basic bread

Classic accompaniments for a fresh, homemade loaf.

There is nothing better than a slice of warm, freshly baked bread. It’s perfect served with:

• A generous spread of good quality salted butter
• As a side for a hearty bowl of soup or stew
• Toasted for breakfast with jam or marmalade
• As the base for a delicious sandwich

How To Store Basic bread

Keeping your homemade loaf fresh.

• Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store the bread in a bread bin or a paper bag at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Avoid storing it in a plastic bag at room temperature, which can make the crust soft.
• Freeze: This bread freezes beautifully. Once cool, you can slice it and place it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can just take out a slice and toast it from frozen whenever you want.

Basic bread recipe Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per slice.

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 1 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

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