Basket with bread

Homemade Bread Loaf Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

We present you a recipe for a bread loaf, a perfect choice for a family meal or to impress guests with fresh, homemade bread. This simple recipe combines classic ingredients to create a fluffy dough, with a golden crust and delicious aroma. Whether served with butter, jam, or as a base for sandwiches, the bread loaf will surely be a hit!

Ingredients:

- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 650 for better texture)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 250 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 10 g salt
- 50 g sugar
- 50 g melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk, adding one tablespoon of sugar from the 50 g. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it starts to foam. This step is essential to ensure the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until you get a sticky dough.

Step 3: Kneading the dough
Sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. A useful trick is to use a stretching and folding kneading method, which helps develop the gluten.

Step 4: Letting the dough rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shaping the loaf
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then flatten them slightly. You can braid them to form a loaf or simply arrange them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Second rising
Cover the shaped loaves with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). When the loaves have risen, brush them with a beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.

Step 8: Cooling and serving
Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a rack. When still warm, you can serve them with butter, fruit jam, or as a base for delicious sandwiches. A personal touch: add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.

Possible variations:
For a more special bread loaf, you can add olives, nuts, or seeds to the dough before kneading. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour or various types of flour to achieve different flavors and textures.

This bread loaf recipe is not just a quick dessert but also a way to bring warmth and comfort to every meal. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious final result!