Homemade Bread
There’s something truly magical about baking your own bread from scratch. The warm aroma wafting through the kitchen, the golden crust crackling as it cools, and that first soft, fluffy slice—homemade bread isn’t just food, it’s a comforting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time dough-maker, this simple ritual connects you to generations past and brings wholesome nourishment to your table.
Made with just a few pantry staples—flour, water, yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar or oil—homemade bread is a humble triumph of texture and taste. It’s budget-friendly, preservative-free, and endlessly customizable. From sandwich loaves and rustic boules to dinner rolls and artisan-style creations, learning to make bread at home puts the power of the bakery in your own hands.
Whether you’re kneading by hand or letting a mixer do the work, this rewarding process turns basic ingredients into something beautifully alive. And the best part? The joy of slicing into a fresh, warm loaf you made all by yourself.
Ingredients:
1 cup (240ml) Warm water (105°F / 40°C)
1 tablespoon (15g) Granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) Active dry yeast (about 8g)
3 tablespoons (45ml) Olive oil
3 cups (350g) All-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (5g) Salt
1 tablespoon (15g) White sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (15g) Black sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
Add Yeast Mixture: Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture.
Knead Dough: Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape Bread:
For loaves: Punch down the dough and divide in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place in two greased loaf pans.
For rolls: Punch down the dough and divide into 12-15 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Second Rise: Cover the loaves or rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
For loaves: Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190-200°F.
For rolls: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool: Let the bread or rolls cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with butter and jam.
Enjoy with soups, stews, or salads.
Use for sandwiches or toast.
Cooking Tips:
For enriched bread, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the dough.
Add herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking for added texture.
For softer bread, let it cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Benefits:
Good source of carbohydrates for energy.
Provides some protein and fiber.
Contains B vitamins.
Dietary Information:
Vegetarian
Can be made vegan by omitting honey (if used).
Nutritional Facts (per slice – approximate):
Calories: 70-80
Protein: 2-3g