Here’s a simple, reliable way to make soft, fluffy homemade bread with basic ingredients—no special equipment needed.
🍞 Homemade Bread (Basic White Loaf)
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (not hot)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast (or 2¼ tsp active dry yeast)
- 2 tbsp oil or melted butter
Instructions
1. Activate yeast (skip if using instant yeast)
Mix warm water + sugar + yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
Add flour, salt, and oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
(If sticky, add a little flour—but don’t overdo it.)
4. First rise
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
5. Shape
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf or round, and place in a greased pan or tray.
6. Second rise
Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.
7. Bake
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool
Let it cool before slicing (important for texture).
Tips for better bread
- Warm place helps rising (not hot)
- Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, it’s done
- Brush with butter after baking for a soft crust
Variations
- Garlic bread: add garlic + herbs to dough or brush on top
- Milk bread: replace water with warm milk for softer texture
- Whole wheat: swap half the flour for whole wheat
If you tell me what you have (yeast type, flour, oven or no oven), I can adjust this perfectly for your setup.
