Introduction
Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread — warm, comforting, and nostalgic. This classic bread dough is simple yet versatile, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create soft, fluffy loaves or shape it into rolls, buns, or even pizza crust.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 5 cups (625 g) all-purpose or bread flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1¾ cups (420 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil)
- 2 teaspoons salt
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon milk powder (for extra softness)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Sesame or poppy seeds (for topping)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to work.
2. Mix the Dough
Add melted butter (or oil) and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer using a dough hook.
When the dough starts coming together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
3. Knead the Dough
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour — but don’t add too much, or it will become dense. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size (as shown in your photo!).
5. Shape the Dough
Punch the dough down gently to release air. Shape into loaves, rolls, or any desired form.
If making loaves, place them in greased loaf pans. For rolls, shape small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Second Rise
Cover again and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy and almost doubled in size.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the tops with beaten egg or milk for a golden crust.
Bake for:
- Loaves: 25–30 minutes
- Rolls: 15–18 minutes
- Pizza base: 10–12 minutes
The bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve
Remove from pans and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter, honey, or your favorite spread.
Tips
- For a crustier loaf, place a small dish of water in the oven while baking.
- For extra softness, brush warm bread with melted butter right after baking.
- You can store the dough in the fridge overnight for a slow rise and richer flavor.
Benefits
- Homemade goodness: No preservatives or artificial additives.
- Economical: Cheaper than store-bought bread.
- Customizable: Add herbs, garlic, cheese, or seeds for extra flavor.
- Therapeutic: Kneading dough is calming and rewarding!
Conclusion
This homemade bread dough is your base for endless baking creativity — from soft sandwich loaves to fluffy dinner rolls or even artisan-style pizza crusts. Once you master this, you’ll never look back at store-bought bread again.