I remember the first time I baked bread. I was terrified. What if it didn't rise? What if it turned into a brick? But this Easy Bread recipe changed everything for me. It's so simple, you'll wonder why you ever bought store-bought loaves.
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With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a little patience, you'll have a warm, golden loaf that fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques. Just good, honest bread.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It's forgiving and adaptable, so even if you've never baked before, you'll succeed. Let's get started!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
All-purpose flour gives a soft, tender crumb. You can substitute bread flour for a chewier texture.
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
Instant yeast doesn't need proofing. If using active dry yeast, dissolve in warm water first.
1 1/2 tsp salt
Salt enhances flavor and controls yeast activity. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
1 tbsp sugar
Sugar feeds the yeast and helps browning. Honey or maple syrup work too.
1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
Warm water activates the yeast. Too hot kills it, too cold slows it down.
2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for greasing
Olive oil adds moisture and richness. You can use any neutral oil or melted butter.
Tips & Tricks
- Ensure your water is the right temperature: if it's too hot, it will kill the yeast; too cold, the bread won't rise well. Use a thermometer if you have one.
- Don't over-knead the dough. It should be smooth and slightly tacky, but not sticky. Over-kneading can make the bread tough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is cool, place it in an oven with the light on, or a sunny window.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. This ensures even distribution of the yeast and salt.
2. Add wet ingredients
Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked.
4. First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until doubled in size.
5. Shape the loaf
Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Second rise
Cover loosely with the cloth and let rise for another 20-30 minutes, until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Score and bake
Optional: use a sharp knife to make shallow slashes on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
8. Cool and enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter!
Delicious Variations
Herb Bread
Add 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture.
Cheese Bread
Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese before shaping.
Garlic Bread
Mix 2 minced garlic cloves into the dough for a savory twist.
How to Store Easy Bread
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why didn't my bread rise?
The most common reason is that the yeast was dead or the water was too hot. Check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure the water is between 105°F and 115°F (40°C to 46°C).
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid. Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat and add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of water if needed.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For accuracy, use an instant-read thermometer—it should read 190°F (88°C) in the center.
Q: Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for hand kneading. Just use a bowl and a wooden spoon, then knead on a floured surface as described.
Q: How do I store leftover bread?
Keep it in a bread box or paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating, as it dries out faster. For longer storage, freeze it.
I hope you enjoy this Easy Bread as much as my family does! If you try it, let me know in the comments below. Don't forget to share your photos on social media and tag me. Happy baking! Small steps, big impact.
Easy Bread
Easy Bread is a foolproof homemade loaf with a crispy crust and soft center. Ready in about 50 minutes, perfect for beginners.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for greasing
📋 Instructions
- 1Mix dry ingredients — In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. This ensures even distribution of the yeast and salt.
- 2Add wet ingredients — Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3Knead the dough — Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked.
- 4First rise — Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until doubled in size.
- 5Shape the loaf — Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 6Second rise — Cover loosely with the cloth and let rise for another 20-30 minutes, until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 7Score and bake — Optional: use a sharp knife to make shallow slashes on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
- 8Cool and enjoy — Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter!
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices, focusing on small, achievable changes for everyday life. She shares practical tips from her own experiments in reducing waste at home and in her community.
