Description
This Soft Homemade Bread Dough recipe guides you through creating a fluffy, tender loaf or rolls with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for beginners, it uses active dry yeast to achieve a light texture and a golden crust, ideal for sandwiches or as a warm companion to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Mixture
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more for dusting)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for softening the dough)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until the ingredients begin to come together into a shaggy dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid over-flouring to keep the bread light.
- Let It Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough inside, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release trapped air. Turn it onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide into smaller portions to form rolls or buns, depending on preference.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed and slightly risen.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes or a loaf for 30-35 minutes, until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. Enjoy fresh, soft homemade bread perfect for any meal.
Notes
- Ensure water is at the correct temperature (110°F or 45°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not add too much flour during kneading to avoid dense bread.
- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm spot is critical for proper fermentation.
- Optional butter in the dough adds extra softness and flavor.
- Use a loaf pan for shaped loaves or a baking sheet for rolls.
- Letting the bread cool completely improves slicing and texture.
