There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, isn’t there? I just love the simplicity and satisfaction of making my own bread from scratch. This simple bread recipe is my go-to whenever I crave that warm, comforting loaf. Trust me, once you get your hands in that dough, you’ll feel like a true artisan baker! It’s straightforward enough for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned cooks. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the joy of slicing into a loaf you’ve lovingly crafted yourself.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredients and techniques. With just flour, water, salt, and yeast, you can create something that not only nourishes but brings people together. Imagine gathering around the table, breaking bread with family and friends, and sharing stories over that soft, warm slice. It’s these little moments that make baking so rewarding. So, let’s get started on this delightful journey of homemade bread-making!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 500g bread flour: This is the backbone of your loaf, giving it structure and that delightful chew.
- 350ml warm water: Make sure it’s warm, not hot! This helps activate the yeast, creating that lovely rise.
- 10g salt: Essential for flavor! It also strengthens the dough’s gluten structure.
- 7g instant yeast: This little powerhouse is what makes your bread rise beautifully—no need for proofing here!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the 500g of bread flour, 10g of salt, and 7g of instant yeast. I like to whisk them together to make sure everything is evenly distributed. It’s a great way to get the dry ingredients mingling!
- Next, create a little well in the center of your dry mix. This is where the magic begins! Pour in the 350ml of warm water. Don’t worry if it splashes a bit; it’s all part of the fun. Just give it a gentle stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough starts to form.
- Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You really want to work that dough until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s a workout, but trust me, it’s so worth it! If it’s a bit sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- Once your dough is lovely and smooth, place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth to keep it cozy. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This part is crucial, so don’t rush it! Just think about how amazing it’ll smell when it’s baking.
- After the hour is up, preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). While it’s heating up, gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles—oops, that’s the fun part! Then, shape it into a loaf. You can make it as rustic or as neat as you like!
- Now, place your shaped loaf into a greased baking tin. Cover it again with that damp cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps give your bread that lovely, airy texture.
- Finally, it’s baking time! Pop the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Wow, just imagine that beautiful crust!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike!
- The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, so you likely have everything you need right at home.
- You’ll enjoy the delightful aroma of fresh bread filling your kitchen as it bakes.
- This bread has a wonderfully soft interior with a crisp crust that’s hard to resist.
- It’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite herbs, seeds, or spices for a unique twist.
- This recipe offers a rewarding hands-on baking experience that’s both satisfying and therapeutic.
- It’s a great way to connect with family and friends—everyone loves sharing a slice of homemade bread!
- Leftovers make fantastic toast or sandwiches—the flavor only gets better with time!
Tips for Success
- Measure Accurately: Don’t skip weighing your ingredients! Using a kitchen scale ensures consistency and takes the guesswork out of baking. Every gram counts when it comes to achieving the perfect loaf.
- Mind the Temperature: Make sure your water is just warm to the touch—around 37°C (98°F) is ideal. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. If it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise as beautifully!
- Knead with Confidence: Kneading is your best friend! It develops the gluten, giving your bread that lovely chewy texture. Don’t rush this step; take your time to really work the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Embrace the Rise: Be patient during the rising times. The dough needs this time to develop flavor and texture. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in a warm spot or even turn on the oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside.
- Check for Doneness: When tapping the bottom of the loaf, it should sound hollow. If it doesn’t, pop it back in for a few more minutes. Trust your instincts—it’s all about that golden crust!
- Cool Before Slicing: I know it’s tempting to cut into that warm loaf right away, but let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes. This sets the crumb and makes for cleaner slices. Plus, it’ll keep the moisture in!
- Experiment with Steam: For an extra crispy crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking. This creates steam that helps the bread rise more and develops that gorgeous crust we all love.
- Storage Secrets: To keep your bread fresh, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and store it in a cool, dry place. If you have leftovers, you can freeze slices for later enjoyment. Just pop them in the toaster for a quick snack!
Variations
One of the best things about this simple bread recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste! Here are some fun variations that’ll take your homemade bread to the next level:
- Herb-Infused Bread: Add a couple of tablespoons of your favorite fresh herbs—like rosemary, thyme, or basil—right into the dough for a fragrant twist. You can even sprinkle some on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Seed Toppings: Before the second rise, brush the loaf with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even sunflower seeds on top. This adds a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor!
- Cheesy Goodness: Fold in shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, during the kneading process. This will give your bread a delightful cheesy texture and flavor. You can even create a cheesy topping by sprinkling some more cheese on top before baking.
- Garlic Bread: For a tasty garlic infusion, mix in minced garlic or roasted garlic cloves into the dough. You can also brush the crust with melted butter mixed with garlic before baking for that classic garlic bread flavor.
- Sweet Bread: Want to make a sweet version? Add a couple of tablespoons of sugar or honey to the dough, and consider folding in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or even chocolate chips for a delightful treat!
- Whole Wheat Variation: Swap out half of the bread flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Just keep an eye on the hydration—you may need to adjust the water slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
- Spiced Bread: For an aromatic twist, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This is especially wonderful if you’re leaning towards a sweeter bread. Just a pinch can elevate the flavor beautifully!
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these variations! The possibilities are endless, and each twist will bring its own unique charm to your baking experience. Enjoy experimenting and discover your new favorite version of this simple bread!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what’s in that delicious loaf you’ve just baked! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one slice of this simple bread recipe. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This bread is a great source of energy, making it perfect for toasting or enjoying alongside your favorite meals. Plus, with such simple ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re eating. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you, the best part about this simple bread recipe is how wonderfully versatile it is when it comes to serving! You can enjoy it in so many different ways, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite suggestions to elevate your bread experience:
- Classic Butter: There’s nothing like a warm slice of bread slathered with a generous pat of good-quality butter. It melts beautifully into those soft, warm fibers, making for a comforting treat.
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: For a lovely appetizer, serve slices of your bread with a small dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for an extra flavor kick—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Soup Companion: This bread is the perfect partner for your favorite soups! Whether it’s a hearty tomato soup, creamy potato leek, or a spicy chili, a slice of homemade bread will soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Sandwich Base: Transform your loaf into a delightful sandwich! Layer it up with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies. It’s perfect for lunch or a quick snack, and you can customize it however you like!
- Toast it Up: Slice your bread and pop it in the toaster for a crunchy breakfast option. Top it with avocado and a sprinkle of salt, or spread on some peanut butter and banana for a quick, nutritious start to your day.
- French Toast Delight: If you’re feeling adventurous, use your bread to make French toast! Just dip the slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then cook them on a griddle for a sweet breakfast treat.
- Cheese Board Star: This bread makes a fantastic addition to any cheese board. Pair it with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and some fresh fruits for a beautiful and delicious spread that’s perfect for entertaining.
- Bruschetta Topping: Turn your slices into bruschetta by topping them with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a fresh and vibrant appetizer that’s sure to impress!
No matter how you choose to serve it, this simple bread recipe will surely enhance any meal or occasion. Enjoy the process of sharing and savoring every slice with your loved ones!
FAQ Section
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! Just remember to activate it first by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy. Then, mix it in with your dry ingredients as you would with instant yeast.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Don’t worry if that happens! It could be due to the yeast being old or the water being too hot or cold. Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature of your water and check the expiration date on your yeast. If it doesn’t rise after the first hour, try giving it a little more time in a warm spot.
How can I tell when my bread is done baking?
You’ll know your bread is done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer—an internal temperature of about 90°C (190°F) is a good indicator that it’s fully baked.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just keep everything in proportion, and be sure to give the dough enough space to rise. You might need to bake in batches depending on your oven size.
How should I store my homemade bread?
To keep your bread fresh, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and store it in a cool, dry place. If you have leftovers, you can freeze slices for later. Just pop them in the toaster for a quick snack!
What if I don’t have bread flour?
You can use all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different. Bread flour gives you that lovely chewy texture because of its higher protein content. If using all-purpose, you may want to knead a bit longer to develop the gluten.
Can I add other ingredients to this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs, seeds, or even dried fruits. Just keep in mind that adding too much may affect the dough’s hydration, so adjust the water accordingly if needed.
Why does my bread have a dense texture?
A dense texture could result from under-kneading, not allowing the dough to rise enough, or having too much flour. Make sure to knead until smooth and elastic, and give it plenty of time to rise!
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Of course! You can easily make this bread by hand. Just knead it on a floured surface as described in the instructions. It’s a great way to connect with the dough!
Simple Bread Recipe for Artisan Bakers: Perfect Every Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A straightforward recipe for making simple bread at home.
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 350ml warm water
- 10g salt
- 7g instant yeast
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
- Create a well in the center and pour in the warm water.
- Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth.
- Let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased baking tin.
- Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Notes
- For a crustier loaf, place a pan of water in the oven.
- You can add herbs or seeds for flavor variations.
- Store bread in a cool, dry place.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: simple bread recipe
