Time Breakdown

 

Prep Time: 5 minutes

 

Rest Time: Optional 10 minutes

 

Bake Time: 25–30 minutes

 

Total Time: 30–40 minutes

 

🍞 Servings

 

Makes: 2 medium loaves

 

Serves: 8–10 people

 

🧾 Ingredients

 

3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour

 

1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water

 

1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast

 

1 ½ tsp salt

 

1 tbsp sugar or honey

 

2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

 

1 tsp seeds (optional – black sesame, cumin, flax, or chia)

 

👩‍🍳 Instructions

 

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

 

Mix dry ingredients:

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

 

Add liquids:

Pour in warm water and oil. Mix using a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.

 

Shape loaves:

Divide dough into two portions. Shape into round or oval loaves. Place on baking tray.

 

Optional rest:

Let dough rest 10 minutes for slightly better texture (optional).

 

Bake:

Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

 

Cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!

 

📝 Notes

 

Dough should be soft and sticky, not dry.

 

You can bake in a loaf pan, round pan, or free-form.

 

Brushing tops with olive oil gives extra softness.

 

💡 Tips for Perfect Bread

 

For crustier bread, place a small oven-safe bowl of hot water in the oven.

 

Add garlic powder, herbs, cheese, or olives for flavor variations.

 

For softer bread, cover with towel while cooling.

 

Freeze leftovers up to 2 months.

 

🍽 Serving Ideas

 

Sandwich bread

 

Toast with butter & honey

 

Garlic bread

 

Soup & stew side

 

Breakfast toast

 

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

 

Calories: 140

 

Carbohydrates: 26g

 

Protein: 4g

 

Fat: 3g

 

Fiber: 1g

 

Sodium: 210mg