6-Ingredient Easy Homemade Bread – Soft & Fluffy!

There’s something truly magical about homemade bread—the warm, comforting aroma filling your kitchen, the golden crust, and the soft, pillowy inside. And the best part? Making it from scratch is much easier than you think! This Easy Homemade Bread recipe requires just six simple ingredients, and the results are nothing short of bakery-worthy.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by bread-making, don’t worry—I’ll guide you through every step, from proofing the yeast to achieving that perfect rise. By the end, you’ll have a loaf that’s light, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Bread

• Simple ingredients – No fancy flour or complicated techniques needed
• Beginner-friendly – Even if you’ve never baked bread before, this recipe is foolproof
• Soft and flavorful – Light, fluffy texture with just the right hint of chewiness
• Versatile – Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or slathered with butter and jam
• No special equipment required – Just a bowl, a wooden spoon, and a baking pan!

What Does This Bread Taste Like?

This homemade bread has a mild, slightly yeasty flavor with a touch of sweetness. The crust is light and golden, while the inside is soft and airy. It’s perfect for dunking in soup, making sandwiches, or simply enjoying with butter and honey.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Bread

To make this simple, delicious bread, you’ll need:

• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F) – Helps activate the yeast
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) – The magic behind the rise
• 1 teaspoon sugar – Feeds the yeast and gives a subtle sweetness
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Creates a soft and light texture
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds moisture and enhances the crust

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Clean kitchen towel
• Oven

How to Make Easy Homemade Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and active!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add salt, flour, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour (1 tablespoon at a time). If it’s too dry, add a small splash of water.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, giving the bread its perfect texture.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

What to Serve with Easy Homemade Bread

• Classic butter and jam – Simple and delicious
• Dipped in soup – Perfect with tomato soup or creamy chowders
• As sandwich bread – Great for grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches
• With olive oil and balsamic vinegar – A rustic and tasty appetizer

Tips for the Best Homemade Bread

• Use fresh yeast – Expired yeast won’t rise properly
• Measure accurately – Especially the flour! Spoon and level it instead of scooping
• Warm environment = better rise – If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off)
• Don’t over-knead – 8-10 minutes is perfect; too much kneading can make the bread tough
• Let it cool before slicing – Cutting too soon makes it gummy inside

How to Store Easy Homemade Bread

• Room temperature – Store in a bread box or airtight bag for 2-3 days
• Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for up to a week, but may dry out slightly
• Freezer – Slice and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If using instant yeast, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

How do I know if my bread is fully baked?

Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, it’s done! You can also use a thermometer; the internal temp should be 190-200°F.

Can I make this bread whole wheat?

Yes! Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

Why didn’t my bread rise?

Possible reasons:

• The yeast was expired
• The water was too hot (killed the yeast) or too cold (didn’t activate it)
• The dough was left in a cold area

More Delicious Bread Recipes to Try

If you love this Easy Homemade Bread, you’ll definitely want to try these other tasty bread recipes:

• Fluffy & Nutritious Quinoa Bread – A protein-packed alternative with a light, airy texture
• Jamaican Banana Bread – A moist and flavorful twist on classic banana bread
• Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread – A soft and healthy bread perfect for breakfast or snacking

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Bread is a game-changer—simple, delicious, and so rewarding to make! Whether you’re a first-time bread baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe will give you a perfect loaf every time.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your photos on Pinterest. Happy baking!

Nutrition Information (per slice)

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

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