If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling a warm, golden loaf of bread from your oven—without spending hours in the kitchen—this is the recipe for you. This quick and easy homemade bread recipe delivers bakery-style results in less than two hours, using simple pantry ingredients and zero fancy equipment.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who just wants a better alternative to store-bought bread, this recipe is fast, versatile, and reliable.
Why You Should Bake Your Own Bread
Making homemade bread is not just about saving money or controlling ingredients—it’s also an incredibly satisfying experience. Few things match the comfort of the aroma of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen. And when you slice into a warm loaf and taste the buttery-soft crumb inside, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Here are some compelling reasons to make your own bread at home:
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Healthier Ingredients: Skip the preservatives, additives, and excess sugar found in many store-bought breads.
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Budget-Friendly: Homemade bread costs pennies per slice compared to bakery bread.
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Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to be dairy-free, vegan, or high-protein.
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Less Waste: Make just what you need—no more moldy bread in the back of the fridge.
The Secret to Quick and Easy Homemade Bread
The key to a fast yet fluffy loaf is using instant yeast and creating the right warm environment for a proper rise. Unlike traditional recipes that require long proofing times or multiple rises, this method speeds up the process while still delivering a soft, chewy interior and a perfectly crisp crust.
This recipe also requires no mixer or bread machine. All you need is a bowl, a spoon, and a little patience.
Ingredients for the Perfect Loaf
This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen:
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or substitute with bread flour for extra chew)
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2 ¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 packet)
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1 ½ teaspoons salt
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1 tablespoon sugar (helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness)
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1 ¼ cups warm water (not hot! Aim for 105°F–110°F)
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2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional but adds richness)
Optional add-ins:
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Chopped herbs
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Grated cheese
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Garlic powder or seeds for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. You should see it start to foam—this is a sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
🔍 Tip: If your yeast doesn’t foam, the water may have been too hot or the yeast may be expired. Try again with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once the yeast is foamy, stir in the salt and oil. Gradually add in the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a spoon or silicone spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes on a lightly floured surface. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 3–4 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that’s slightly tacky but not sticky.
💡 Shortcut: If you’re in a hurry, knead the dough right in the bowl—less cleanup!
Step 3: First Rise (Let It Double)
Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl in the oven with the light on (but the heat off) to create a proofing environment.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
After the first rise, punch the dough down gently to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for 15–20 minutes, until the dough puffs just above the edge of the pan.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread on the middle rack for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Wait at least 15 minutes before slicing to let the crumb set.
🔥 Pro Tip: Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right out of the oven for a soft, glossy finish.
Storage Tips
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Slice the loaf, wrap individual slices in parchment paper, and freeze in a zip-top bag. Toast straight from the freezer as needed.
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Refresh: Day-old bread can be revived in the toaster or oven. Just mist lightly with water and warm at 300°F for 5–10 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
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Calories: ~140
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Carbohydrates: ~25g
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Protein: ~4g
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Fat: ~3g
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Fiber: ~1g
This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan if you use olive oil instead of butter.
Delicious Variations
Take your homemade bread to the next level with these easy upgrades:
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Cheddar Jalapeño: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar and 1 tbsp chopped jalapeños.
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Cinnamon Swirl: Roll out the dough, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and roll back into a loaf.
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Garlic Herb: Add minced garlic and dried Italian herbs into the dough before baking.
Common Questions About Quick Homemade Bread
Can I make this recipe without yeast?
This specific recipe requires yeast for the rise. For a yeast-free option, consider making a quick soda bread using baking powder and buttermilk.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid. Replace up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat and add an extra tablespoon of water if needed.
What if I don't have a loaf pan?
No problem! Shape your dough into a round boule and bake it on a parchment-lined sheet pan for a rustic loaf.
Final Thoughts
This quick and easy homemade bread recipe proves that baking your own bread doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. With just six basic ingredients and a little over an hour of time, you’ll be rewarded with a soft, golden loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter.
Not only is homemade bread more affordable and healthier, but it’s also endlessly satisfying. Once you master this base recipe, you’ll be experimenting with add-ins, flavors, and flour blends in no time.
📌 Save or Share This Recipe!
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Bookmark it for later
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