Quick and Easy Homemade Bread Recipe for Beginners

There’s something magical about the smell of homemade bread wafting through the house. It says, “I’m a pro in the kitchen, and I don’t need to buy bread anymore!” But don’t let the thought of bread-making scare you away—this recipe is here to make bread-baking fun, simple, and deliciously easy.

Who doesn’t love a fresh loaf that practically makes itself? This bread recipe is perfect for beginners, anyone short on time, or anyone who just wants a loaf of homemade bread without the hassle. Ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread? Let’s dive in.

A photo of a freshly baked loaf of homemade bread on a rustic wooden cutting board in a cozy kitchen setting. The bread has a golden brown crust and a soft interior. There is a knife beside the bread. Steam is rising from the bread. The background contains a few kitchen tools and a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Easiest Homemade Bread Recipe

This bread recipe is all about simplicity. You don’t need any fancy gadgets, no sourdough starters, and no professional bread-baking skills. Just a few pantry staples, a little bit of time, and you’ll have a warm, golden loaf that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Plus, this bread is super versatile—perfect for everything from sandwiches to breakfast toast.

Want more inspiration for breakfast toppings? Check out our Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs Recipe.

A photo of a rustic kitchen counter with a white cloth. There are various baking ingredients arranged neatly on the counter. There is a bowl of flour, a container of salt, a container of sugar, a bowl of yeast, a measuring cup filled with water, and a loaf pan. The background contains a wooden spoon, a whisk, and a rolling pin.

What Makes This Recipe Different?

We’ve made sure this recipe has minimal steps, just five ingredients, and a method that works for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner. This easy bread recipe also doesn’t require much kneading, and you’ll only need one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. The result? A crusty outside with a soft, fluffy inside—just what homemade bread should be.

Pro tip: This bread is amazing with a spread of butter, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try a slice with our delicious Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Recipe on top for a sweet treat.

Before We Get Started: A Few Tips for Perfect Bread

  1. Get Your Yeast Ready: Make sure your yeast is fresh! Old yeast can lead to a disappointing loaf.
  2. Mind the Flour: Don’t overdo it with the flour; you want a dough that’s soft and a bit sticky.
  3. Patience is Key: Letting the dough rise is crucial. It’s tempting to rush it, but trust us—the wait is worth it!

Easiest Homemade Bread Recipe

This easy homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, you’ll be serving warm, fresh bread in no time.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Loaf

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Clean kitchen towel

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp teaspoons salt
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water

Instructions
 

  • Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s bubbly.
  • Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
  • First Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a log and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  • Second Rise: Cover again with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes, or until it’s slightly above the edge of the pan.
  • Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

For a crunchier crust, brush the loaf with water before baking.
 
This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days in a bread box.
Keyword easiest homemade bread recipe, easy bread, no-knead bread

A photo of a sliced homemade bread loaf in a basket lined with a red and white checkered cloth, placed on a wooden table. There's a knife and a butter dish nearby. The bread has a golden-brown crust and a soft, slightly moist interior. The basket and the table have a few crumbs. The background is blurred and contains a few more items, such as a jar and a bag of flour. The lighting is warm.

Enjoy Your Homemade Bread!

Congratulations, you’re now a bread-baking pro! This recipe is so easy, you might just end up making it a weekly staple. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just snacking on its own. And if you’re craving a new breakfast twist, pair a slice with our popular Sweet Cottage Cheese Berry Parfait for a delicious start to the day!

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