Homemade Bread Recipe With Active Dry Yeast

Version 1: Classic White Bread

Ingredients:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

- 1 1/2 cups warm water

- 2 tbsp sugar

- 1 tsp salt

- 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.

4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.

7. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

8. Preheat the oven to 375F.

9. Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter.

10. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

11. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Version 2: Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients:

- 3 cups whole wheat flour

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

- 1 1/2 cups warm water

- 2 tbsp honey

- 1 tsp salt

- 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.

3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.

4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.

7. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

8. Preheat the oven to 350F.

9. Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil.

10. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

11. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Source of the recipe