Homemade Bread Recipe (So Good You’ll Stop Buying Store-Bought!
Introduction
This easy homemade bread recipe is so soft, flavorful, and reliable that once you try it, buying bread from the store will feel unnecessary. With just flour, yeast, oil, water, and salt, you can create a warm, fragrant loaf that tastes better than most bakery versions. Whether you’re new to bread making or already love baking, this recipe is simple enough for everyday use and delicious enough for sharing.
Ingredients & Quantities
4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
1 tablespoon (10 g) dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1⅓ cups (320 ml) warm water
4¾ cups (570 g) plain flour
Instructions
1. Activate Yeast
Pour warm water into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the top, stir lightly, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Form the Dough
Add olive oil and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead
Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours or until doubled.
5. Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking tray.
6. Second Rise
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
8. Cool
Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to preserve the crumb structure.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Bread is one of humanity’s oldest and most universal foods. From ancient civilizations to modern kitchens, bread represents nourishment, tradition, and community. This simple homemade loaf reflects the timeless practice of transforming basic ingredients into something deeply comforting and sustaining. It connects us with generations of home bakers who made bread not just for eating, but for sharing and gathering.
Description
This bread bakes into a beautifully golden loaf with a soft, airy interior and a lightly crisp crust. The olive oil adds richness and tenderness, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, dipping, or simply enjoying warm with butter. Its aroma fills the home with the comforting scent of fresh, homemade goodness—something store-bought bread can’t replicate.
Optional Additions
1–2 tablespoons honey or sugar for a slightly sweeter loaf
Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano
Seeds: sesame, sunflower, chia, flax
Whole-grain variation: replace 1–2 cups of plain flour with whole wheat flour
Garlic or onion powder for a savory twist
Cheese: fold in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a richer loaf
Tips for Success
Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it.
Knead until the dough is smooth—this develops gluten for structure.
Rise the dough in a warm, draft-free area.
Avoid adding too much flour; slightly sticky dough produces softer bread.
Let the bread cool before slicing to avoid squashing the loaf.
If the crust browns too quickly, tent the top with foil during baking.
Nutritional Information (approx. per slice, based on 12 slices)
Calories: 150–180
Carbohydrates: 28–32 g
Protein: 4–5 g
Fat: 3–4 g
Fiber: 1–2 g
Sodium: 150–200 mg
Values vary based on exact flour brand and loaf size.
Conclusion
Simple, comforting, and incredibly rewarding, this homemade bread recipe proves just how easy it is to bake your own fresh loaves at home. It uses basic ingredients, requires minimal skill, and delivers exceptional flavor. After making this once, you’ll understand why so many home bakers never go back to store-bought bread.
Recommendation
Serve this bread warm with butter, alongside soups, as a base for sandwiches, or toasted for breakfast. Make two loaves at once—one to enjoy fresh and one to freeze. It also pairs beautifully with olive oil and herbs for dipping.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Homemade bread is a beautiful example of mindful indulgence. You control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and enjoy the joy of creating something nourishing with your own hands. Each slice becomes more meaningful, more wholesome, and more satisfying. Baking bread at home not only feeds your body—it feeds your spirit.
If you’d like a no-knead version, whole wheat variation, or a bread-machine adaptation, I’d be happy to create it for you!
