How to Make Bread from Scratch — Complete Beginner's Guide

Everything you need to bake your first loaf from scratch. **Essential Equipment:** Large mixing bowl, measuring cups/spoons (or kitchen scale), 9×5-inch loaf pan, wire cooling rack, clean kitchen towel. Nice to have: stand mixer, Dutch oven, instant-read thermometer, bench scraper. **The 6 Core Ingredients:** Flour (bread or all-purpose), water, yeast, salt, sugar (feeds the yeast), fat (butter or oil for richness). **The Process:** 1. Activate yeast in warm water (105–115°F) 2. Mix flour, salt, and yeast mixture into a shaggy dough 3. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic 4. First rise: 60 minutes, covered, until doubled 5. Shape: Form into a loaf and place in a greased pan 6. Second rise: 30 minutes until cresting above the pan 7. Bake at 375°F for 28–32 minutes until golden 8. Cool completely on a rack before slicing **Key Tips:** - Water temperature matters — too hot kills yeast, too cold won't activate it - Don't add too much flour — the dough should be slightly tacky - Be patient with the rises — don't rush them - Internal temperature of 190–200°F means the bread is done - ALWAYS let bread cool before slicing **Baker Thomas's Golden Rule:** Your first loaf won't be perfect, and that's okay. The second will be better, and by the third, you'll wonder why you ever bought bread.