This Easy Homemade Bread recipe is a timeless classic — soft on the inside, golden and slightly crisp on the outside, and made with just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced home cook, this bread is a simple, rewarding project that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sugar (20g)
- 1 pack dry yeast (10g)
- 2.5 glasses warm water (500ml)
- 5.5 cups all-purpose flour (660g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (8g)
- 2 tablespoons oil (20ml)
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water (make sure it’s not hot, about 100–110°F or 37–43°C).
Sprinkle the dry yeast evenly over the surface of the water. Let it sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly — this means it’s active and ready to use.
Tip: If the yeast doesn’t foam, the water may have been too hot or the yeast could be expired. Start over with fresh yeast for best results.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, add the flour and salt to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough begins to form.
Drizzle in the oil and continue mixing until the dough comes together into a slightly sticky, shaggy mass.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead for about 10 minutes, pressing the dough forward with the heel of your hand and folding it back toward you. Rotate and repeat until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic.
Test: When you press the dough with your finger, it should bounce back slightly — that’s how you know the gluten has developed properly.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil. Place the kneaded dough inside, turning it once to coat all sides with oil.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and set it in a warm, draft-free spot.
Let it rise for 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Tip: An oven with the light turned on (but no heat) makes an ideal rising environment.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any trapped air bubbles.
Knead it briefly for about 30 seconds, then shape it into a smooth loaf.
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches).
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the pan again with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until the dough has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
This second rise will give your bread a light, fluffy texture.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Tip: For a glossy finish, you can brush the top with a little melted butter right after baking.
Step 9: Cool the Bread
Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes.
Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and helps set the crumb structure.
Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade bread plain, toasted, or topped with butter, jam, or cheese.
Preparation Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories: 200 kcal per slice
Nutritional Benefits
This homemade bread isn’t just delicious — it’s wholesome and nourishing.
Flour:
Provides essential carbohydrates that fuel your body with energy. It also contains iron, B vitamins, and a small amount of protein for overall health.
Yeast:
Adds a touch of protein and fiber while creating the airy texture of the bread through natural fermentation.
Water:
Activates the yeast and binds the ingredients together for a smooth, hydrated dough.
Salt:
Enhances the bread’s flavor and regulates the yeast’s activity, preventing the dough from rising too quickly.
Oil:
Adds richness and tenderness to the crumb, giving the bread a soft interior and helping it stay fresh longer.
Sugar:
Feeds the yeast, promoting a good rise, and contributes a subtle sweetness to balance the flavor.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread
- Use warm, not hot water: Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold will slow its activation.
- Measure accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour — scoop it lightly into the cup and level it off.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough to double ensures a fluffy, airy loaf.
- Knead properly: Good gluten development is key to structure and chewiness.
- Cool before slicing: Cutting too soon can make the bread gummy inside.
- Store properly: Wrap the cooled loaf in a clean towel or airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to a month.
Serving Ideas
This bread is incredibly versatile — here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Breakfast: Toasted with butter, honey, or fruit preserves.
- Lunch: Used for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or paninis.
- Dinner: Served warm with soups, stews, or pasta.
- Snack: Simply spread with peanut butter, jam, or cream cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid and results in a denser loaf. Start by replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat and adjust the water if needed.
2. What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
No problem — shape the dough into a round loaf and bake it on a greased baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet.
3. How do I make the crust softer?
Brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking and cover the loaf with a towel as it cools.
4. Can I add herbs or seeds?
Absolutely! Try mixing in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or top the loaf with sesame or poppy seeds before baking.
5. Why didn’t my bread rise properly?
This could be due to expired yeast, water that was too hot or too cold, or not allowing enough rising time. Always check yeast freshness and ensure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free space.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Bread is a simple yet deeply satisfying recipe that brings the joy of fresh baking into your kitchen. With its golden crust, fluffy interior, and rich aroma, it’s perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.
Baking bread from scratch may seem old-fashioned, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do — both for the flavor and the sense of accomplishment that comes with pulling a warm loaf from the oven.
Whether you’re serving it plain, toasted, or alongside your favorite dish, this recipe proves that the best bread often comes from your own hands.