Homemade bread is a delightful addition to any meal, filling your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma. This simple bread recipe combines easy-to-find ingredients to create a crusty exterior and soft, airy inside. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, whether you want fresh bread for sandwiches or a side to your soup. With just a bit of time and love, this recipe makes bread from scratch approachable and satisfying.
Why This Recipe Is Helpful
- Uses straightforward ingredients you likely already have.
- No special equipment needed; just mix, knead, and bake.
- Great for meal prep or serving warm alongside dinner.
Best For
This recipe is ideal for home cooks wanting a simple and rewarding baking experience, as well as anyone who enjoys the taste of homemade bread.
Be Careful If
If you’re managing your carbohydrate intake, consider enjoying this bread in moderation due to its flour content.
Ingredients
- 600 g (4 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- 8 g (2 teaspoons) dry yeast
- 500 ml (2 cups) sparkling water
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour works best for a balanced texture; whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier bread but may alter the final texture.
- If you dislike olive oil, any neutral oil can be substituted.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. This helps to aerate it, making your bread lighter.
- Add salt and dry yeast to the flour. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the sparkling water and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Fold the risen dough inwards towards the centre and cover it again. Allow it to rise for another hour, letting it puff up even more.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into three equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a loaf, tucking the edges underneath to create a smooth top. Cover and let them rest for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Shape the loaves once more, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make a few slashes in the tops of the loaves to help them expand while baking. Cover and let rest for another 20 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked bread!
Pro Tips
- For an extra boost of flavour, let the dough rise in the fridge overnight before shaping.
- If your bread doesn’t rise as expected, ensure that your yeast is fresh and your water is at the right temperature (warm, but not hot).
- Use a sharp knife for slashing the dough to prevent it from tearing.
Lighter Swaps
- Replace some flour with whole wheat flour for added fibre.
- Use a lighter oil such as canola instead of olive oil if you prefer.
Common Mistakes
- Not measuring flour properly; it’s best to spoon it into a measuring cup and level it off.
- Keeping the dough in a cold place will inhibit rising; make sure it’s warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bread warm with butter, as a sandwich component, or alongside soups and salads for a comforting meal.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover bread wrapped in a clean towel or in a bread box to maintain freshness.
Reheating Tips
Reheat individual slices in a toaster or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 190
Protein: 5 g
Carbs: 33 g
Fat: 5 g
Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Cuisine: European
Course: Bread
Calories: 190
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, but it may change the texture and flavour of the bread.
How can I tell if the bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! Once completely cooled, slice and wrap the bread for freezing.
