Published on January 20, 2026
Ready in: 3 hours · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 3 days at room temperature.
Quick Answer
To create a comforting homemade bread perfect for chilly autumn mornings, combine flour, yeast, salt, sugar, warm water, and olive oil; knead, rise, shape, and bake for a delightful treat.
As the crisp, cool air of autumn settles into New York City, I feel that familiar urge to cozy up in my kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of my oven and the heavenly scent of freshly baked bread. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, there’s something incredibly comforting about sharing a loaf of homemade bread with family and friends. Today, I’m excited to share my tested and beloved homemade bread recipe that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or simply for enjoying with butter and jam on a chilly morning.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy up your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.
- Create lasting memories by sharing homemade bread with loved ones during the holidays.
- Learn the art of bread-making and impress your friends with your newfound skill.
- Customize your loaf with herbs or cheese for a unique twist on a classic recipe.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your homemade bread.
For the Bread:
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Homemade Bread (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to bake your own delicious loaf of bread.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Using a wooden spoon, stir until well-distributed.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center and pour in 1 ½ cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until the mixture comes together into a shaggy dough.
Step 3: Kneading
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface again and shape it into a loaf.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped loaf with the kitchen towel again and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until it’s smooth to avoid a tough loaf.
- Using too hot water: If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, resulting in a dense loaf.
- Not letting it rise enough: Ensure that your dough doubles in size during both rises to achieve that light, airy bread.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Experiment with add-ins like herbs or cheese for a personal twist.
- Keep flour on hand to adjust the dough if it feels too sticky during kneading.
- If you’re short on time, you can reduce rise times slightly, but the flavor will deepen with longer fermentation.
Variations:
- Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Add seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin for extra crunch.
- Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a sweet twist.
How to Serve:
- Slather with butter and enjoy warm for breakfast.
- Use for holiday sandwiches with turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Serve alongside soups and stews for a comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Storage: Store the cooled bread in a plastic bag or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until warm.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze individual pieces, then toast them straight from the freezer for a delicious treat any time.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Throughout my baking journey, I discovered that homemade bread isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about the love and care you put into it. Each time I make this loaf, the connections with friends and family deepen, making every bite a delightful reminder of togetherness.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 1 loaf · Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 4g protein · 28g carbs · 2g fat
Comforting Homemade Bread for Autumn Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon until well-distributed.
- Make a well in the center and pour in warm water and olive oil. Stir until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf on a floured surface.
- Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F.
- Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour. However, it may yield a denser loaf, so you might want to experiment with adding a bit more water.
2. How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
Your bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. It should also have a slight jiggle in the center, indicating it’s moist inside.
3. Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with add-ins like herbs, cheese, or nuts to give your bread a personal twist.
4. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky while kneading, keep some extra flour on hand and sprinkle it lightly until the dough is manageable.
5. How should I store my homemade bread?
Store the cooled bread in a plastic bag or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces to toast straight from the freezer.
