Fresh, warm homemade bread smells like home and makes any meal better.

introduction

This easy homemade bread recipe uses simple items and no hard steps. You mix, wait, shape, and bake. Many cooks like it because it is quick and gives soft, warm loaves. If you want other simple baking ideas, try our gluten-free banana bread for a sweet treat.

why make this recipe

It uses common pantry items.
It rises well and tastes great with little work.
You can change it with seeds, herbs, or cheese.
It makes your home smell wonderful and fresh.

how to make Easy Homemade Bread

Warm your water to about 100–110°F (37–43°C). Stir in the yeast and sugar or honey. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
Add the yeast mix and melted butter or oil to the flour. Stir until it comes together.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf or rolls, and place in a greased pan.
Cover and let rise again 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if you like.
Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25–35 minutes until golden and sound hollow when tapped.
Cool on a rack before slicing.

This bread goes well with simple snacks. You can serve it with small bites like the ones in our easy Thanksgiving appetizers post for a simple party idea.

Ingredients :

3.5 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour (bread flour gives a chewier texture.)
1.25 cups warm water ((100-110°F / 37-43°C); the right temperature activates the yeast.)
2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast (ensures your bread rises beautifully.)
2 tablespoons sugar or honey (adds sweetness and feeds the yeast.)
1 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor and strengthens gluten structure.)
2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil (adds moisture and richness.)
sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional; sprinkle for crunch.)
olive oil (optional; brush on crust for golden finish.)

Directions : How to Make Easy Homemade Bread

Proof the yeast: mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Wait for foam (5–10 min).
Combine dry: stir flour and salt in a bowl.
Mix wet and dry: pour yeast mix and melted butter into flour. Stir to form dough.
Knead: on a floured surface, knead 8–10 min until elastic.
First rise: oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let double (1–1.5 hrs).
Shape: punch down, shape into loaf, put in greased pan.
Second rise: cover and let puff (30–45 min).
Top and bake: brush with olive oil, add seeds, bake 375°F for 25–35 min.
Cool: move to a rack and let cool before slicing.

how to serve Easy Homemade Bread

Slice warm with butter or olive oil.
Use for sandwiches, toast, or soup sides.
Serve with cheese, jam, or a simple salad.

how to store Easy Homemade Bread

Room temp: keep in a bread box or bag for 2 days.
Freeze: slice and freeze up to 3 months in a freezer bag.
Do not store long in the fridge; it dries bread faster.

tips to make Easy Homemade Bread

Use water at the right warmth to wake the yeast.
Don’t add too much flour; dough should feel soft.
Knead until smooth but not dry.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when done.

variation (if any)

Whole wheat: replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour.
Herb bread: add 1–2 teaspoons dried herbs to the dough.
Cheese bread: fold in 1 cup grated cheese before the first rise.
Seeded crust: mix seeds on top for extra crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use a bit less instant yeast and add it to the flour (no need to proof), but you can still proof if you want.

Q: Why did my bread not rise?
A: Likely the yeast was too old or the water was too hot or too cold. Also heavy salt contact with yeast can slow it.

Q: How do I get a crisp crust?
A: Brush with olive oil and bake on the center rack. Steam in the oven for the first 5–10 minutes helps, too.

Q: Can I make this in a bread machine?
A: Yes. Add ingredients in the order your machine asks and use the basic cycle.

Conclusion

For more on bread and baking technique, read Heike Meyer Teaches the Language of Bread – Milk Street.