Simple Homemade Bread 🍞✨
Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside—this no-fuss loaf requires just 5 ingredients and fills your home with that irresistible fresh-baked aroma.
📝 Ingredients
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4¾ cups (600g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
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1 tbsp (12g) active dry yeast
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1½ tsp salt
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1⅓ cups (320ml) warm water (~110°F/43°C)
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4 tbsp (60ml) olive oil
Optional:
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1 tbsp honey or sugar (to feed the yeast)
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1 tsp herbs (rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
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In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and olive oil (plus honey/sugar if using). Let sit 5-10 mins until frothy.
2. Make the Dough
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Stir in salt and flour (1 cup at a time) until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead by hand 5-7 mins (or with a mixer + dough hook for 3-4 mins) until smooth.
3. First Rise
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Cover bowl with a damp towel and let rise 1-1½ hours in a warm spot until doubled in size.
4. Shape & Second Rise
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Punch down dough, shape into a round loaf, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Cover and rise 30-45 mins (preheat oven to 425°F/220°C during this time).
5. Bake
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Optional: Slash the top with a sharp knife and brush with water for extra crispness.
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Bake 25-30 mins until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
6. Cool & Enjoy
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Let cool 15 mins before slicing (if you can wait!).
🔥 Pro Tips
✔ No knead? Skip kneading and let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for artisan-style bread.
✔ Crustier loaf: Place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
✔ Storage: Keep in a paper bag for 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Garlic bread: Brush slices with garlic butter and broil.
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Avocado toast: Top with mashed avocado, salt, and chili flakes.
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French toast: Use day-old slices for the best texture.
Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread! 😍
Want whole wheat? Swap 1 cup of AP flour with whole wheat flour + 1 tbsp extra water. 🌾