Homemade Bread Recipes for Beginners

There’s something wonderfully comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. 

If you've ever been tempted to make your own bread but felt nervous and a bit intimidated, worry not! 

With a few basic ingredients and some simple techniques, you can bake delicious bread right in your own kitchen. Here are a couple of easy-to-follow recipes to get you started on your bread-baking journey.

Basic White Bread

This classic recipe is a great starting point for any novice baker. It yields a soft, fluffy loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast.

Ingredients:

500g strong white bread flour

7g sachet of fast-action dried yeast

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

300ml warm water

3 tbsp olive oil

Method:

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.

Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm water and olive oil.

Mix the ingredients together until you have a soft, sticky dough.

Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp tea towel, and leave it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

Once risen, knock the dough back (punch it down to remove air) and turn it out onto a floured surface.

Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf tin.

Second Rise:

Cover the loaf tin with the damp tea towel again and leave it to rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas mark 7).

Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Wholemeal Bread

For a heartier loaf with a rich, nutty flavour, try this wholemeal bread recipe.

Ingredients:

500g wholemeal bread flour

7g sachet of fast-action dried yeast

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

300ml warm water

3 tbsp olive oil

Method:

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the wholemeal flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.

Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm water and olive oil.

Mix the ingredients together until you have a soft, sticky dough.

Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead it for about 10-12 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wholemeal flour can be a bit more challenging to work with, so be patient.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp tea towel, and leave it in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

Once risen, knock the dough back and turn it out onto a floured surface.

Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf tin.

Second Rise:

Cover the loaf tin with the damp tea towel again and leave it to rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas mark 7).

Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and within its expiry date. Old yeast can result in a dense loaf.

Accurate Measurements: Weigh your ingredients accurately. Bread making is a science, and precise measurements can make a big difference.

Warm Environment: Yeast thrives in warmth. Make sure your kitchen is warm, or place your dough in a warm spot to rise.

Patience: Don’t rush the rising process. Allow the dough to double in size for the best results.

With these basic recipes and tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident bread baker. Enjoy the process and savour the delicious results! Happy baking!

Embrace the Warmth: The Joys of Baking Your Own Bread at Home

The genesis of this story? My wife and I were recently enjoying some delicious home baked bread with some real butter and we thought "Why not write about the joys of baking your own bread at home?" So, here we are!

In recent years, the art of bread baking has seen a remarkable resurgence. While the convenience of shop-bought loaves may seem appealing, there's an undeniable charm and satisfaction that comes from creating your own bread at home. 

From the tantalising aroma that fills your kitchen to the pride of slicing into a freshly baked loaf, the joys of baking bread from scratch are unparalleled. 

Let's get into the myriad reasons why more and more people are turning to their kitchens to knead, prove, and bake their own bread.

Therapeutic Ritual:

Bread baking is a therapeutic ritual that allows you to slow down, disconnect from the chaos of the outside world, and immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of the kitchen. The rhythmic process of mixing ingredients, kneading dough, and watching it rise creates a meditative experience that soothes the mind and nourishes the soul. In a fast-paced world, baking bread offers a much-needed respite, a chance to embrace mindfulness and find joy in the present moment.

Creative Expression:

Baking your own bread is a canvas for creativity. With a basic understanding of ingredients and techniques, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer a rustic sourdough boule, a fragrant cinnamon-swirl loaf, or a hearty whole wheat bread studded with seeds and grains, you have the freedom to experiment and tailor recipes to suit your taste preferences. From shaping intricate designs to incorporating unique flavour combinations, each loaf becomes a reflection of your culinary imagination.

Quality Ingredients:

When you bake your own bread, you have full control over the ingredients that go into it. Say goodbye to preservatives, additives, and artificial flavourings commonly found in shop-bought bread. Instead, you can opt for higher-quality flour, perhaps even milled in your own area, locally sourced honey, organic grains, and other wholesome ingredients. Not only does this ensure a superior taste and texture, but it also allows you to prioritise your health and well-being by nourishing your body with real, nutrient-rich foods.

Sensory Delight:

Few things compare to the sensory delight of baking bread at home. As the dough transforms from a sticky mass into a smooth, elastic ball, you'll marvel at the tactile sensation beneath your fingertips. The aroma of yeast, flour, and warmth fills the air, signalling the magic unfolding in your oven. And when the timer finally chimes, heralding the arrival of a golden-brown loaf, your senses are rewarded with the sight, smell, and sound of culinary perfection.

Community and Connection:

Bread has a remarkable ability to bring people together. Whether you're sharing a loaf with loved ones over a leisurely brunch or gifting a freshly baked boule to a neighbour in need, the act of sharing bread fosters a sense of community and connection. In a world that often feels divided, breaking bread with others reminds us of our shared humanity and the simple joys that unite us across cultures and generations.

Conclusion:

In an age of instant gratification and pre-packaged convenience, the art of baking bread at home offers a welcome antidote. From the therapeutic ritual of kneading dough to the sensory delight of savouring a warm slice, the joys of bread baking extend far beyond the kitchen. So why not embrace the warmth and magic of homemade bread? Roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let the journey begin. After all, there's nothing quite like the taste of a loaf made with love from your own two hands.