Baking bread at home is a rewarding experience, and the great news is, you don’t need to be a professional baker to do it! Below are 7 simple bread recipes that anyone can try, even if you're new to baking.
These recipes use basic ingredients and don’t require special equipment or advanced techniques. Let's get baking!
Classic White Bread
Ingredients:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 300ml warm water
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and oil, then stir to combine.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
6. Let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes.
7. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
No-Knead Artisan Bread
Ingredients:
- 450g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- 350ml warm water
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast. Pour in the water and stir until combined.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise for 12-18 hours (overnight).
3. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a Dutch oven or heavy pot inside to heat.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and carefully transfer it into the preheated pot.
5. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden.
6. Let it cool before slicing.
Simple Whole Wheat Bread
Ingredients:
- 300g whole wheat flour
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 300ml warm water
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Dissolve the yeast and honey in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir to form a dough.
3. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.
4. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
5. Let it rise for another 30 minutes, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes until golden.
Basic Soda Bread
Ingredients:
- 450g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 400ml buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
5. Place the loaf on a baking sheet and cut a deep cross on top with a sharp knife.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Let it cool before slicing.
Quick Focaccia Bread
Ingredients:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 300ml warm water
- 1 packet (7g) dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp salt
- Rosemary and sea salt for topping
Instructions:
1. Mix the yeast with warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes. Let it rise for 1 hour.
4. Spread the dough on a greased baking sheet. Poke dimples in the surface with your fingers.
5. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt, and let it rise for 20 minutes.
6. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 100g sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 60g melted butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas with melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir to combine.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let the bread cool before removing from the pan.
Easy Flatbread
Ingredients:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 150ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each one into a thin circle.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each flatbread for 1-2 minutes on each side, until puffed and golden.
5. Serve warm with dips or as a side.
These easy bread recipes are perfect for beginners and require minimal equipment or experience. From quick soda bread to classic white loaves, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Happy baking!
