German homemade bread

Take the chance to enjoy freshly baked bread with simple ingredients and an easy process.

German bread is world-famous for its hearty texture, rich flavor, and wholesome ingredients — and the best part is, you don’t need to be a professional baker to make it at home. This simple German homemade bread recipe captures the authentic taste of traditional German “Bauernbrot” (farmer’s bread) using everyday pantry staples. With its crusty exterior, soft chewy center, and warm, earthy aroma, this loaf comes together in just one hour and fills your kitchen with the comforting smell of real, old-fashioned bread. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, breakfast spreads, or enjoyed warm with butter, it’s a rustic classic that never disappoints.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Rise Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour

Ingredients:

350 ml of water at room temperature

500 g wheat flour

1 teaspoon of sugar

1 teaspoon of salt

1 tablespoon dry yeast

1 teaspoon sunflower oil

Additional flour for dusting

Preparation method:

In a container, place 350 ml of water at room temperature, add the sugar, yeast and mix.

Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.

Then add the sunflower oil, sift 500 grams of flour and mix until you get a smooth, sticky dough.

Cover and let rest for 1 hour.

Tip:

The process of sifting the flour is to ensure a soft texture for the bread.

After the first hour, mix the dough for 30 seconds, cover again and let it rest for another 30 minutes.

Next, sprinkle the table with flour, roll out the dough into a rectangular layer, fold it over and cover with a bowl, letting it rest for 10 minutes.

Dust the table (or countertop) again, rolling out the dough and shaping it into the desired shape.

Place on a baking sheet, make decorative cuts and bake at 230°C for 30 to 40 minutes.

After baking, let it cool a little before cutting and enjoying your homemade bread.

Its aroma and flavor will provide an experience reminiscent of an authentic German bakery.

Serving Suggestions

Spread with butter and jam

Serve with soup or stew

Enjoy with cheese and cold cuts

Toast and top with avocado or hummus

Storage

Room temperature: 2–3 days, wrapped in a towel

Refrigerator: up to 1 week

Freezer: up to 3 months (wrap tightly)

❓ German Homemade Bread – Q/A Section

Q1. What makes German bread different from regular bread?

German bread often uses whole grains, rye flour, seeds, and a steam-baked crust, giving it a deeper flavor and rustic texture compared to typical white breads.

Q2. Can I make this bread without rye flour?

Yes! If you don’t have rye, replace it with whole wheat or all-purpose flour. The bread will be lighter but still delicious.

Q3. Why do we add warm water to the dough?

Warm water helps the yeast activate quickly, allowing the bread to rise faster and achieve a soft, airy crumb.

Q4. Do I need a mixer to make this bread?

No! This is a hand-mix and hand-knead recipe, perfect for beginners. A mixer is optional.

Q5. How do I get a crispy German-style crust?

Place a small bowl of water in the oven while baking. The steam helps create that authentic crackly German crust.

Q6. Can I bake this in a Dutch oven?

Absolutely. A Dutch oven gives a bakery-style texture:

• Bake 20 minutes covered

• Then 15–20 minutes uncovered for golden crust

Q7. Can I freeze German homemade bread?

Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes.

Q8. Why is my bread dense?

Common reasons:

• Using too much flour

• Dough not kneaded enough

• Water too cold or too hot

• Not enough rise time

• Old yeast

Q9. How can I make it healthier?

Swap more of the flour for whole wheat or rye, and add seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, or flax.

Q10. Can I add flavors like garlic or herbs?

Yes! German bread pairs well with:

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Rosemary

Caraway seeds

Mixed seeds

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)

(Based on 12 slices per loaf)