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4. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.
6. Bake
7. Cool
Remove from the pan and let the loaf cool on a wire rack for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing (if you can wait!).
🍯 Optional Add-Ins
Want to customize your bread? Try mixing in:
- 1/4 cup seeds (sunflower, flax, sesame)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon herbs (like rosemary or thyme)
- Swirl in cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist
🥪 How to Use Your Homemade Bread
- Fresh sandwiches
- Toast with butter and jam
- French toast or grilled cheese
- As a side with soup or stew
💡 Pro Tips:
- Make sure the water is warm — not hot — so it doesn’t kill the yeast.
- Don’t skip the second rise — it helps the bread develop that fluffy texture.
- Store leftovers in a bread bag or airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer.
🍞 Final Thoughts
This easy homemade bread is the kind of recipe that makes you fall in love with baking all over again. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes your kitchen smell like a bakery.
✨ Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, this no-fuss recipe belongs in your regular rotation. Try it once — you’ll never want store-bought again!
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