Bread is one of the most versatile and comforting foods in the world. Whether you prefer it soft and fluffy, rustic and hearty, or sweet and fruity, there’s a bread recipe for every taste and occasion. Here are four simple yet delicious bread recipes that you can try at home:
1. Classic Homemade White Bread
This classic white bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or served with a bit of butter. It’s the ideal bread for beginners!
Ingredients:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, then bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
2. Garlic Herb Bread
If you love the rich flavors of garlic and herbs, this bread will quickly become a family favorite. It’s great for dipping in olive oil or pairing with soups and pasta.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Stir in the flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or divide it into rolls. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and olive oil. Brush the garlic oil mixture over the top of the bread.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and let it cool slightly before serving.
3. Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread is a hearty and healthy alternative to white bread. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or served with soups.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
Place the dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
4. Cinnamon Swirl Bread
This sweet bread is perfect for breakfast or a treat with coffee. It’s soft, sweet, and has a delightful cinnamon swirl running through the center.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar (for the cinnamon swirl)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the yeast mixture and eggs, and stir until a dough forms.
Add the butter and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Roll it up tightly, starting from the longer side, and pinch the edges to seal.
Place the dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and enjoying.