Homestyle Plain Loaf

Ingredients

• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 160 kcal / 670 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 390mg

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. 2.
   Add the warm water, melted butter, and honey to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
7. 7.
   Cover the pan with the kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
8. 8.
   Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. 9.
   Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can be used as a substitute, but it will yield a slightly denser loaf.
• Instant yeast — Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If you're unsure, proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.
• Honey — The honey adds a touch of sweetness to the bread. If you prefer a less sweet loaf, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
• Butter — Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the bread. If you only have salted butter, adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
• Warm water — The water should be warm to the touch but not hot. Hot water can kill the yeast, while cold water will slow down the rising process.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crustier loaf, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
• To add extra flavor, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or oats on top of the loaf before baking.
• Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
• Store the bread in a plastic bag or airtight container to maintain its freshness.
• This bread freezes well, so you can make an extra loaf to enjoy later.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Plain Loaf warm with a spread of butter or your favorite jam. It is also perfect for making sandwiches, toasting, or accompanying soups and stews.

Presentation advice

To present the Homestyle Plain Loaf, slice it into thick, rustic slices and arrange them on a wooden cutting board. You can also wrap the loaf in a clean kitchen towel for a cozy, homemade touch.