Ahhh homemade bread 🥖—the kind that makes your kitchen smell like a hug. Let’s do a simple, reliable loaf that doesn’t require fancy skills or equipment.
Easy Homemade Bread (Soft Inside, Golden Crust)
Ingredients
- 3½ cups (420 g) all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant or active dry yeast
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (not hot)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Activate yeast (skip if using instant, but it doesn’t hurt):
Mix warm water + sugar + yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. - Make the dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and oil. Stir until shaggy. - Knead:
Knead 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5–6 in a mixer) until smooth and elastic. - First rise:
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled. - Shape:
Punch down, shape into a loaf or round. - Second rise:
Cover and rise 30–45 minutes. - Bake:
Bake at 375°F / 190°C for 30–35 minutes, until golden and hollow-sounding. - Cool (hardest step):
Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Pro tips (tiny effort, big payoff)
- Brush with butter right after baking for a soft crust
- For a crustier loaf, place a small pan of hot water in the oven
- Swap ½ cup flour for whole wheat for more flavor
Want no-knead, sandwich bread, dinner rolls, or crusty artisan style next?
