Homemade Bread Made Simple: Easy Recipe for Beginners

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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.

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. Once you master a simple recipe, you can use it to make multiple types of bread for various occasions.

Finding Inspiration for the Best Homemade Bread Recipe

Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone has been a pioneer in the bread-making space. 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—how could I adapt a bread recipe I already loved to fit all of my baking needs?

I started with a classic French bread recipe from Mels Kitchen. With just a small adjustment to the amount of flour, I created a homemade bread recipe that is versatile enough for multiple uses. By removing just half a cup of flour, I ended up with a dough that is soft and fluffy for homemade cinnamon rolls yet sturdy enough for sandwich loaves.

One Easy Homemade 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, minimizing unnecessary steps so that anyone—even a beginner—can bake fresh homemade bread without the stress.

Shaping Methods

French Bread

• Roll the dough into a long oval shape (12-14 inches in length).
• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel to rise.
• Once risen, use a sharp knife or bread lame to score the top with 3-4 diagonal cuts.
• Bake until golden brown and crisp.

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.

Bread Baking Essentials: Must-Have Tools for Homemade Bread (Optional but Helpful!)

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to make homemade bread, but having a few key tools can make the process easier and more enjoyable. 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.

While these tools are nice to have, you can still make delicious homemade bread with just a mixing bowl, spoon, and a baking sheet!

Tips for the Best Homemade Bread

• 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.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With this simple, versatile recipe, you can bake fresh bread for any occasion. Whether you’re making French bread, sandwich loaves, dinner rolls, or cinnamon rolls, this dough does it all. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought bread again!

What type of homemade bread are you excited to make first? Let me know in the comments!

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While you’re prepping for a fresh loaf of bread, don’t forget to check out my Meal Planning Made Simple post for easy ways to organize your meals for the week