My Favorite Basic Bread Recipe

This is the basic recipe that I've used for years. I don't remember where i got it but it has served us well for hundreds of loaves. I'll post it as I found it, which makes great white bread as is. I generally use sea salt instead of table salt and often change the flour ratio and add all sorts of things. From this recipe I make cinnamon & cinnamon raisin bread, blueberry bread with brown sugar, garlic cheese bread, herbed bread, etc etc etc


Basic White Bread

1 1/4 C warm water
2 T butter - cut up
3 C flour (white or a combination)
2 T honey
1 1/2 t sea salt
1 1/2 t yeast

Make by hand or set machine to dough cycle or allow machine to do the whole thing (set 1 1/2 to 2 pound loaf and bread type)

If you use dough setting be sure to let it rise fully (about an hour) again after you remove it from the machine. then bake at 325 to 350 deg. time varies depending on size etc but generally 30 to 50 minutes.










Substitutions and other things: Aside from white flour, I make my own flours. To make corn flour just grind cornmeal to flour, oats to oat flour, wheat to wheat flour etc. When using other flours be sure that the dough won't be to dense to bake well. In my experience whole wheat flour should probably always be a 50:50 ratio or around that.

I use sea salt but you can use table salt, I use honey but white sugar works just fine, I usually use butter but have also used lard which is kind of bland tasting and olive oil which is very good.

If you want other flavors incorporated you can add them from the beginning. For garlic cheese bread I use olive oil and add powdered garlic and shredded cheese at the start.

For cinnamon swirl bread I make as usual but just before the last rise I punch it down and spread it out a bit, sprinkle lots of cinnamon and sugar then roll and put in pan to rise.

We like rustic breads and things so I often pinch or cut the top here and there to give it a more rustic appearance. But if you prefer a smoother top just fold the dough over before you put it in the pan for the last rise.

This can also be baked in a dutch oven and in a wood heat stove :)


So, that's my favorite basic recipe. Now I would love to know what your is, I love trying new things and finding new favorites :) If you've posted it on your blog or can find it online a link would be greatly appreciated!

Good eating !!