Classic homemade bread with soft crumb and golden crust

Classic Homemade Bread: Soft, Easy and Delicious

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Classic Homemade Bread: Soft, Easy and Delicious

Nothing compares to the aroma of classic homemade bread baking in your oven. That warm, comforting smell, the golden crust cracking slightly as it cools, and the soft fluffy interior waiting to be sliced — it’s pure comfort.

This classic homemade bread recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and requires only basic pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, soups, or simply enjoyed warm with butter.

If you’ve always wanted to master homemade bread, this detailed guide will walk you through every step, with expert tips to guarantee success.

Why This Classic Homemade Bread Recipe Works

This bread is:

✔ Soft and fluffy inside
✔ Golden and slightly crisp outside
✔ Made with simple ingredients
✔ Perfect for everyday use
✔ Free from preservatives

Unlike store-bought bread, this recipe gives you full control over ingredients and texture.

Preparation Time

⏱ Active prep: 15 minutes
⏳ Resting: 15 minutes + fermentation time
🔥 Baking: 25–30 minutes

Total time depends on fermentation (usually 1–1.5 hours).

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 10 g dried yeast (1 sachet)

  • 200 ml lukewarm water

  • 120 g flour (for initial mixture)

  • 720 g flour (for main dough)

  • 10 g salt

  • 1 egg yolk

  • 1 tablespoon milk

Step-by-Step Preparation

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

Dissolve the dried yeast in lukewarm water.
Stir gently until completely dissolved.

⚠️ Important: Water must be lukewarm — not hot — or it will kill the yeast.

2️⃣ Prepare the Pre-Mix

Add 120 g of flour to the yeast mixture.
Mix until smooth.

Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

This step helps develop flavor and activates fermentation early.

3️⃣ Form the Dough

Add remaining lukewarm water.
Gradually incorporate 720 g flour and salt.

Knead for 3–4 minutes until:

✔ Soft
✔ Smooth
✔ Slightly elastic
✔ Not too sticky

Avoid over-kneading — this keeps the crumb tender.

4️⃣ First Fermentation

Cover the dough with a clean towel.

Let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume (about 1 hour).

This is where the magic happens — yeast creates air pockets that make the bread fluffy. Fluffy Brioche Recipe

5️⃣ Shaping

Punch down (degas) the dough gently.

Divide into two equal portions.
Form into balls and let rest 10 minutes.

Flatten slightly and roll inward to shape loaves.

Shaping dough for classic homemade bread before final rise
Rolling and shaping the bread dough before the final fermentation

6️⃣ Final Rest & Baking

Place loaves on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cover and let rest 20 minutes.

Brush with egg yolk + milk mixture for a shiny golden crust.

Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden.

Bread should sound hollow when tapped underneath.

What Makes This Bread So Soft?

The softness comes from:

• Proper hydration
• Short kneading time
• Correct fermentation
• Egg yolk glaze locking moisture

If you follow these steps carefully, your classic homemade bread will turn out perfectly soft every time.

Slice of classic homemade bread showing soft and airy crumb
Close-up slice revealing the soft, airy crumb of classic homemade bread

Serving Suggestions

This bread is incredibly versatile:

🥖 Serve warm with butter and honey
🍓 Spread with jam for breakfast
🥪 Use for sandwiches
🥣 Pair with soups and salads
🧀 Serve alongside cheese boards

It’s an everyday staple you’ll keep making again and again.

Expert Baking Tips

✔ Use Fresh Yeast

Old yeast = flat bread.

✔ Warm Environment

Cold kitchen slows fermentation.

✔ Don’t Add Too Much Flour

Too much flour makes dense bread.

✔ Steam for Better Crust

Place a small oven-safe bowl of water in oven for crispier crust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using hot water
❌ Skipping fermentation
❌ Over-kneading
❌ Cutting bread immediately after baking

Let it cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Benefits

Homemade bread offers:

• Natural carbohydrates for energy
• No preservatives
• Simple ingredients
• Vegetarian-friendly

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal

  • Fat: 1.5 g

  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g

  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

  • Sodium: 300 mg

  • Carbohydrates: 30 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sugar: 1 g

  • Protein: 4 g

Storage & Freezing

🧊 Room temperature: up to 3 days
❄️ Freezer: up to 3 months

Wrap tightly in airtight bag.

Defrost at room temperature or warm briefly in oven.

For more detailed bread baking science and fermentation techniques, visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, replace up to 50% for softer texture.

Why didn’t my bread rise?

Yeast may be inactive or environment too cold.

Can I make it without egg?

Yes, skip glaze or brush with milk only.

Final Thoughts

This classic homemade bread recipe proves that baking bread at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and proper technique, you can create bakery-quality bread in your own kitchen.

Soft, golden, comforting, and delicious — once you try it, store-bought bread will never taste the same again ❤️