Description
This homemade bread recipe Sesame Golden Loaf transforms your kitchen into a comforting bakery, promising golden crusts and a tender, fluffy crumb. It’s perfect for wholesome family meals or a satisfying snack for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 0.25 cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105-115°F/40-46°C), 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2.25 teaspoons yeast. Let sit undisturbed until a noticeable foam forms on top (about 5-7 minutes), signaling activated yeast.
- Mix the Dough: Add 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic, indicating proper gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot until it has visibly doubled in size (typically 60-90 minutes), showing successful fermentation.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release air. Form it into a uniform loaf shape and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring an even base.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the loaf rise again until it’s nearly doubled in size and looks puffy. During this time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- Add Sesame & Bake: Brush the top lightly with water or milk and generously sprinkle 0.25 cup sesame seeds. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. (If it’s browning too fast, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.)
- Cool: Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture, usually about an hour.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Mix in different seeds like poppy or flax. Ensure yeast is fresh and water temperature is accurate (105-115°F/40-46°C). Under-proofed dough can result in dense bread. Use a foil tent during baking to prevent over-browning. For a vegan loaf, use olive or avocado oil and plant-based milk. Always cool bread completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 50 g)
- Calories: 120 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: homemade bread, sesame bread, golden loaf, easy bread, yeast bread, baking, family meal, wholesome, fluffy, nutty