Easy No-Fail Homemade Bread

by

🥖 Easy No-Fail Homemade Bread
Ingredients
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
2ÂĽ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
1½ tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
1½ cups (360 ml) warm water (not hot)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Activate & mix
    In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy (this means the yeast is active).
  2. Make the dough
    Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead
    Knead for 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
    If it’s sticky, add a little flour—just a spoon at a time.
  4. First rise
    Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape it
    Punch down the dough gently and shape it into a loaf or round boule. Place in a greased loaf pan or baking tray.
  6. Second rise
    Cover again and let it rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake
    Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
    Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
  8. Butter magic ✨
    Brush the top with butter immediately after baking for that soft, shiny crust and bakery smell.
    🍞 Tips for perfect bread
    Water must be warm, not hot (about baby-bath temperature)
    Don’t skip kneading—it builds texture
    Let it rise fully for soft, airy bread
    Fresh butter on warm bread = unbeatable

Leave a Comment