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Cozy Rainy Day Homemade Bread Loaf

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A simple and comforting homemade bread loaf recipe perfect for cozy rainy days, featuring a crusty exterior and soft, tender crumb made with basic pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, stir the warm water and sugar together. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour and salt in a separate bowl.
  3. Combine dough: Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add the olive oil and gradually add the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if too sticky, but avoid adding too much.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape into a loaf by folding edges underneath and place in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Second rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffed up.
  8. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Bake the bread: Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool down: Remove bread and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For an extra crusty loaf, place a small oven-safe dish with water on the bottom rack while baking to create steam. Use the windowpane test to check dough elasticity. Let bread cool completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture. You can bake freeform on a baking sheet for a rustic loaf or use a loaf pan for classic shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade bread, easy bread recipe, rainy day bread, crusty bread, simple bread loaf, no bread machine, beginner bread recipe

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/cozy-rainy-day-homemade-bread-loaf-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/