Simple Dough Bread

This Simple Dough Bread is a reliable, beginner-friendly recipe that delivers a classic loaf with a soft, airy interior and a lightly golden crust. With just a few basic ingredients and two rising periods, you get a versatile bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter.

4-Ingredient Simple Dough Bread

Ingredients

Base:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Optional:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for a softer texture)
• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (to help activate yeast)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water with sugar or honey. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

Check:
The mixture should turn foamy, showing the yeast is active.

Step 2: Form the dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a rough dough comes together.

Step 3: Knead
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape and rise again
Gently punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf or round, and place it in a pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown.

Test:
Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready.

Step 7: Cool before slicing
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before cutting.

Simple, soft, and dependable, this recipe is a great way to enjoy fresh homemade bread with minimal ingredients and effort.