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Easy Homemade Bread Recipe – Perfect for Beginners Recipe

Easy Homemade Bread Recipe – Perfect for Beginners Recipe

4.9 from 7 reviews

This Easy Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for beginners looking to bake their own fresh, delicious loaf at home. Using simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, salt, sugar, water, and olive oil, this recipe guides you step-by-step to create a soft, golden, and flavorful bread that rivals those from professional bakeries. With minimal prep and cook times, plus tips for variations and serving, anyone can enjoy the satisfaction of baking their own perfect loaf.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 500g strong white bread flour
  • 7g sachet of fast-action yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 300ml lukewarm water
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar until evenly mixed.
  2. Add wet ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the lukewarm water and olive oil.
  3. Form the dough: Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until they form a cohesive dough.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  6. Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 220°C (428°F) while the dough is rising.
  7. Shape the loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air, shape it into a loaf, and place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
  8. Second rise: Cover the dough again with a cloth and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes.
  9. Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool before slicing: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Notes

  • Ensure your yeast is fresh by testing it in warm water with a pinch of sugar; it should bubble within 10 minutes.
  • Kneading develops gluten which is essential for bread structure—knead for the full 10 minutes for best results.
  • For a softer crust, brush the cooled loaf with melted butter.
  • You can add herbs, cheese, or nuts to the dough to customize the flavor.
  • Whole wheat flour can be substituted but may require more water and adjustment in kneading.
  • Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to ensure proper texture and crumb.
  • This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze up to three months.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade bread, easy bread recipe, beginner bread baking, fresh bread, simple bread, yeast bread, bread recipe