Easy Homemade Bread Even Beginners Can Bake

Why Bake Your Own Bread?

Homemade bread is fresher, tastier, and healthier than store-bought loaves. Plus, baking your own is surprisingly simple and rewarding. You don’t need to be an expert baker or own a bread machine — just a few ingredients and patience will give you a warm loaf straight from the oven.

Basic Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Step-by-Step Method

1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and oil, then stir until a dough forms.

2. Knead
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (If you prefer, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)

3. First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for 1–2 hours until it doubles in size.

4. Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf tin. Cover again and let it rise for 30–40 minutes.

5. Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

6. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool before slicing to keep the crumb soft and intact.

Variations to Try

  • Add herbs like rosemary or garlic for extra flavour.
  • Mix in seeds such as sesame or sunflower for a crunchy crust.
  • Swap some flour for whole wheat for a heartier loaf.

Final Thoughts: Fresh Bread, Made Simple

Once you try homemade bread, it’s hard to go back to packaged loaves. With minimal effort and basic ingredients, you can fill your home with the smell of fresh baking and enjoy bread that’s both delicious and wholesome.