Homemade bread: the easy, simple, and healthy recipe to get started
Making homemade bread is one of the most rewarding and genuine experiences you can have in the kitchen.
With a few natural ingredients and a good amount of love, you can bake a healthy, fragrant, and flavorful bread, perfect for any occasion.
No special chef skills or equipment are needed: just flour, water, yeast, salt… and a bit of patience!
In this article, I will guide you step by step in the preparation of a simple but delicious bread, ideal even for beginners. It’s an easy recipe, designed for those who want to start baking bread at home without stress, achieving applause-worthy results.
Making homemade bread is not just a trend, but a conscious choice to eat better, save money, and rediscover the authentic flavors of the past. Plus, you’ll always know what’s in your bread: only healthy and genuine ingredients.
If you’re looking for an easy recipe for a simple and healthy bread, you’re in the right place. Get your hands (and oven) ready: the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread awaits you!
ALSO TRY:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 5 Hours
- Preparation time: 1 Hour
- Portions: 1 Piece
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 208.07 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 44.96 (g) of which sugars 1.90 (g)
- Proteins 7.87 (g)
- Fat 0.72 (g) of which saturated 0.05 (g)of which unsaturated 0.13 (g)
- Fibers 1.35 (g)
- Sodium 778.27 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 50 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Homemade Bread
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- to taste semolina
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 0.35 oz of fresh yeast)
- 1 tsp sugar
Tools for Homemade Bread
- 1 Stand Mixer Stand Mixer
- 1 Scraper scraper
Steps for Homemade Bread
1. In the stand mixer, pour all the flour, dry yeast, sugar, and half of the water.
2. Start working with the dough hook. Once the water is initially absorbed, add the salt and the remaining water. Let the stand mixer work until all the water is incorporated.
3. Dust the work surface with semolina and pour out the dough. Without overworking it, use a scraper to make 4 folds, each on one side, bringing the dough to the center. Cover with a lid and let it rest for an hour.
4. After an hour, make another four folds and cover again. Let it rest for another hour. Repeat these steps two more times with the same interval.
5. Now, shape the dough into a loaf (or two smaller ones) and make a central cut with a knife or scissors.
6. Bake in a static oven at 428°F for the first 10 minutes at the bottom of the oven, and for the remaining 30 minutes in the middle of the oven, lowering the temperature to 392°F. Let it form a nice brown crust.
You can now take it out of the oven and wait a few minutes before slicing it. The aroma will be irresistible.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How to store homemade bread to keep it fresh longer?
To best store your homemade bread, wrap it in a cotton cloth or paper bag, then place it in a cool, dry place away from direct light. This way, the bread will stay soft and fragrant for 2-3 days. Avoid plastic, which retains moisture and promotes mold. For an even more effective solution, you can use a bread box made of wood or ceramic.
Can homemade bread be frozen?
Yes, homemade bread can be easily frozen! Once completely cooled, slice it (if you want ready-to-use portions) and wrap it in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag. It keeps perfectly for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy it as if freshly baked, simply heat the slices in the oven or toaster for a few minutes.
