The Best Beginner Bread Recipe: Foolproof and Delicious

Making homemade bread has been a passion of mine since I was 13 years old. My dad first introduced me to bread baking, showing me how he made it back home in Grenada. Over time, I adapted that recipe to fit my style, and I discovered that homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple method, you don’t need dozens of different recipes, just one adaptable dough that works for everything. This beginner bread recipe is designed to be versatile enough to use for most types of bread.

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Why You Should Make Homemade Bread

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own bread. Not only does it taste fresher and better than store-bought bread, but it’s also free from unnecessary preservatives and additives. Plus, baking bread at home can save you money in the long run.

Finding Inspiration for the Best Homemade Bread Recipe

Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone has been a huge inspiration for baking bread. She mentioned that when she started making sourdough bread, she simply replaced the yeast in her regular recipes with a sourdough starter. This got my wheels turning on how i could adapt a bread recipe I already loved to fit all of my baking needs?

I started with a classic French bread recipe. With just a small adjustment to the amount of flour, I created a homemade bread recipe that is versatile enough for multiple uses.

One Beginner Bread Recipe, Endless Bread Possibilities

This homemade bread recipe is my go-to for:

• French bread
• Hoagie rolls
• Cinnamon rolls
• Sandwich loaves
• Dinner rolls
• Burger buns
• Pizza dough
• Breadsticks
• Garlic knots

I’ve also simplified the process so even a beginner, can bake fresh homemade bread without the stress

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Ingredients

The ingredients for this beginner bread recipe are simple, and you likely already have them on hand.

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• Flour – Acts as the main structure for the bread. Bread flour will give you the best gluten development, but I regularly use all-purpose flour.
• Water – Hydrates the dough and helps activate the gluten and yeast.
• Oil – Adds richness to the bread and contributes to its soft texture.
• Yeast – Acts as the leavening agent, helping the dough rise.
• Sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Salt – Adds flavor and helps balance the overall taste of the bread.

Beginner Bread Recipe Tools

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make homemade bread, but having a few tools can make the process easier. Here are some helpful items:

• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook – While you can knead dough by hand, a stand mixer saves time and effort. I use a Kitchen-Aid.
• Bench Scraper – Helps with cutting and handling dough cleanly.
• Loaf Pan– Helps create the classic store brought looking bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Beginner Bread Recipe

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve.

• If using instant yeast, proceed to the next step.
  
• If using active dry yeast, let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  

2. Mix and Knead the Dough

Add flour and oil to the yeast mixture. Knead with the dough hook on medium speed for 10–15 minutes, until a smooth, elastic ball forms.
The dough should pass the windowpane test, stretch a small piece, and it should become thin and translucent without tearing.

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3. First Rise

Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Deflate and Shape the Dough

Punch down the risen dough to release any air. Shape it into your preferred form and bake in a preheated 375°F oven until golden brown.

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Shaping Methods

French Bread

1. Shape the Dough

Roll out the dough into a long oval shape, about 12–14 inches in length. Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into itself and pinch the seam to seal the loaf.

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2. Let It Rise

Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Let it rise until noticeably puffy.

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3. Score the Top

Once risen, use a sharp knife or bread lame to make 3–5 diagonal cuts across the top.

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4. Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven until the bread is golden brown and crisp.

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Hoagie Rolls

• Divide the dough into equal portions (4-6, depending on size preference).
• Roll each piece into an elongated oval shape.
• Place on a baking sheet, allowing space between each roll.
• Let rise, then bake until golden brown.

Cinnamon Rolls

• Roll the dough into a large rectangle (¼ inch thick).
• Spread softened butter over the surface and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
• Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
• Slice into 1-inch rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
• Let rise, then bake until golden.
• Drizzle with icing.

Soft & Fluffy Sandwich Bread

• Flatten the dough into a rectangle roughly the size of your loaf pan.
• Roll it up tightly and pinch the seams closed.
• Place seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
• Let rise until it just crests over the pan.
• Bake until golden brown.

Dinner Rolls

• Divide the dough into small, equal portions (golf ball size).
• Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place in a greased baking dish.
• Let rise, then bake until golden.
• Brush with melted butter.

Burger Buns

• Divide the dough into bun-sized portions (3-4 inches wide).
• Shape into smooth, round balls and slightly flatten them.
• Let rise, then bake until golden.

Garlic Breadsticks

• Roll the dough into a rectangle and cut into ½-inch wide strips.
• Twist each strip slightly and place on a baking sheet.
• Let rise, then bake until golden.
• Brush with garlic butter after baking.

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Tips for the Best Beginner Bread Recipe

• Use fresh yeast – Old yeast won’t rise properly and can result in dense bread.
• Measure your flour correctly – Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place – If your kitchen is cold, place the dough near a warm oven or in a slightly warm (but off) oven.
• Don’t over-knead – This can make the bread tough instead of light and fluffy.
• Experiment with flavors – Add herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough for extra flavor.

Storage for the Beginner Bread Recipe

Room Temperature:

• Up to7 days
  Store in a bread box, paper bag, or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. Avoid plastic bags unless the environment is very dry, as they can make the crust soggy.
  

Refrigerator:

• Not recommended
  Growing up my mom did store all of our bread in the fridge, but refrigeration can change the texture of the bread.
  

Freezer:

• Up to 3 months
  Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to use. If freezing the dough, place it on a baking sheet after shaping and freeze then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake allow to thaw and rise, then bake as normal. 

Beginner Bread Recipe FAQ

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes. While bread flour yields the best results due to its higher protein content, I regularly use all-purpose flour in this recipe with great results.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should be doubled in size and feel puffy to the touch.

What is the windowpane test and why does it matter?

The windowpane test is when you gently stretch a piece of dough and it becomes translucent without tearing. This shows that the gluten has developed properly, which is important for the bread’s structure and texture.

Can I knead the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead by hand. However, since this dough needs strong gluten development, using a stand mixer makes the process easier. You will probably need to knead for around 20 minutes by hand.

What if I don’t have a bread lame for scoring?

You can use a sharp knife instead.

How can I make this bread recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week before baking.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly?

This could be due to inactive yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Always check that your yeast is fresh and your water is warm, not hot. Hot water will kill the yeast.

Can I add herbs, cheese, or other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix in herbs, shredded cheese, garlic, or other add-ins to suit your family’s taste preferences.

You Might Also Like

• Biscuit recipe 
• Sourdough Bread recipe 

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