Here’s a comprehensive guide to making traditional homemade bread, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. This bread is light, airy, and has a crispy, golden crust. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or let it cool for sandwiches, toast, or simply with butter.

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### **Traditional Homemade Bread Recipe**

#### **Overview:**
This traditional homemade bread is an excellent choice for those looking to bake a delicious loaf from scratch. With basic ingredients and simple steps, this recipe results in a light and fluffy bread with a golden, crispy crust. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just a simple slice with butter.

**Preparation Time:** 20 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Rising Time:** 2-3 hours
**Total Time:** 3 to 4 hours

### **Ingredients:**

– **1 1/2 cups (370 ml) hot water**
– **2 tablespoons (10 g) dry yeast**
– **4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour**
– **1 teaspoon salt**

### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Activate the Yeast:**
– In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water (370 ml) and dry yeast (10 g). Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is dissolved and bubbly.

#### **2. Make the Dough:**
– Add 500 grams of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a lumpy dough forms.

#### **3. Knead the Dough:**
– Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

#### **4. First Rise:**
– Place the dough in a clean bowl coated with a little oil. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

#### **5. Shape the Dough:**
– Punch down the risen dough to remove any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf or your preferred shape, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased loaf pan.

#### **6. Second Rise:**
– Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

#### **7. Bake the Bread:**
– Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

#### **8. Cool and Serve:**
– Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the bread warm or at room temperature.

### **Tips:**

– **Soften the Crust:** For a softer crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter after baking.
– **Add Flavor:** Incorporate seeds, nuts, or herbs into the dough for added taste and texture.

### **Common Questions:**

**Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?**
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to activate it separately.

**How can I test if my yeast is still good?**
Combine the yeast with lukewarm water and a bit of sugar. If it becomes bubbly within 5-10 minutes, it’s active. If not, the yeast might be old and you should use a new batch.

**Can I make this bread gluten-free?**
Yes, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for bread. Gluten-free doughs may require additional care and time to rise.

**How can I make the crust less hard?**
To soften the crust, brush melted butter on the bread or cover it with a damp cloth immediately after baking.

**Can I add extra ingredients like seeds or herbs?**
Absolutely! You can mix seeds, nuts, or herbs into the dough for added flavor and texture.

**What if my dough is too wet?**
If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

**How should I store the bread?**
Store the bread in a bread box or a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

**Can I prepare the dough in advance?**
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise. Allow it to reach room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.

**Why did my bread turn out heavy?**
Heavy bread can result from insufficient kneading, inadequate rising time, or old yeast. Ensure thorough kneading, proper rising times, and fresh yeast for the best results.

**Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?**
Yes, you can use a bread machine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding ingredients, typically starting with wet ingredients first, followed by dry ingredients.

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Enjoy baking your homemade bread!