Soft, fluffy, and golden with a crisp crust—this simple bread recipe uses just four basic ingredients and delivers bakery-style results every time.
📝 Ingredients
1 ½ cups warm water (about 40–45°C / 105–110°F)
2 tablespoons dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy on top.
(If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive—start again.)
2️⃣ Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a rough dough forms.
The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
3️⃣ Knead the Dough
Transfer to a lightly floured surface.
Knead for 5–7 minutes until:
- Smooth
- Elastic
- Slightly springy to the touch
4️⃣ First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean towel.
Let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
5️⃣ Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough gently to release air.
Shape into a loaf and place into a greased loaf pan.
6️⃣ Second Rise
Cover again and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and slightly above the pan edge.
7️⃣ Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 30–35 minutes until:
- Golden brown on top
- Sounds hollow when tapped
8️⃣ Cool
Remove from pan and let cool completely before slicing.
🍽 Tips for Perfect Bread
Use warm—not hot—water to avoid killing the yeast
Knead well for a soft, airy texture
Let it cool before slicing to prevent a gummy interior
Brush with butter after baking for a softer crust
✨ Optional Variations
Add 1 tbsp olive oil for softer crumb
Add 1 tbsp sugar for slight sweetness
Mix in herbs or garlic for extra flavor
📊 Recipe Info
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5–2.5 hours
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~2.5–3 hours
Servings: 1 loaf
Calories: ~140 per slice