5 Easy & Fast Bread Recipes: Perfect for Beginners
Get ready to elevate your meals with these incredibly easy and flavorful bread recipes! Perfect for beginners and busy weeknights, these options require minimal effort yet deliver maximum satisfaction. From fluffy breakfast breads to savory flatbreads, there's something for every craving.
1. Never-Fail Breakfast Bread
This delightful bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for starting your day off right.
Ingredients:
- 200 ml warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 10 grams instant yeast
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 60 ml vegetable oil
- 200 ml milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 600 grams all-purpose flour, plus an additional 50 grams for dusting (if needed)
- 100 grams softened butter
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and active.
- Add the vegetable oil, milk, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may need to use the additional 50 grams of flour if the dough feels too sticky.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Tuck the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it find its happy place in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a loaf pan.
- Gently press down on the dough to release the air bubbles, then coax it into a classic loaf shape. Place it in the prepared loaf pan. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Using a brush, gently coat the top of the loaf with a thin layer of melted butter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the bread cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk for regular milk.
- Add a handful of chopped raisins, cranberries, or nuts to the dough for extra texture and sweetness.
2. Perfect Skillet Breakfast Bread
This skillet bread is a fun twist on traditional breakfast bread. This recipe is a time-saver and a true chameleon in the kitchen, transforming to suit any dish.
Ingredients:
- 360 grams all-purpose flour
- 10 grams baking powder
- 300 ml boiling water
- 5 grams sugar
- 3 grams salt
- 120 grams semolina flour
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 100 grams soft cheese (such as ricotta or feta), to your taste
- 150 grams butter, melted
- Starch, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- In a spacious bowl, gather the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Slowly add the boiling water to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly until a shaggy dough forms.
- Stir in the semolina flour until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
- Lightly grease a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using your hands (dip them in water to prevent sticking).
- Lightly coat the surface of the dough with a thin layer of olive oil using a brush.
- Make a well in the center of the dough using your thumb. Fill the well with your chosen soft cheese.
- Drizzle melted butter all over the dough.
- Sprinkle the top with a little bit of starch.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the bread cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Experiment with different types of soft cheese to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra freshness.
3. Fluffy and Flat Bread for Any Meal
This flatbread is a fantastic option for those looking for a quick and easy bread that can be enjoyed for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 grams dry yeast
- 200 ml warm water (105°F to 115°F
- 10 grams sugar
- 350 grams all-purpose flour
- 3 grams salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions:
- In a spacious bowl, gather the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and active.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Drizzle the dough with a little bit of olive oil and coat it evenly. Gently transfer the dough to a bowl that's been coated with oil. Create a snug seal with plastic wrap and find a warm location for the dough to rise for 1 hour. Keep an eye on your dough! It's ready to hit the oven when it's doubled in volume, becoming a fluffy version of its original self.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Divide the dough into two equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a thin circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Carefully move the rolled dough to a baking sheet that's been prepared with a layer of parchment paper. Prick the dough with a fork a few times to prevent it from puffing up too much while baking.
- Brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on it until it turns a lovely golden brown color, which means it's done cooking through.
- Let the bread cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For a touch of smokiness, sprinkle the flatbread with smoked paprika before baking.
- You can also bake these flatbreads on a preheated cast-iron skillet over medium heat for a nice crispy bottom.
4. Delicious Puff Bread with Herbs
This flavorful puff bread is perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside a soup or salad.
Ingredients:
- 300 ml warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 550 grams all-purpose flour
- 15 grams butter, softened (for dough)
- 50 grams green onions, finely chopped
- 30 grams parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 100 grams butter, melted and divided
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, salt, and egg.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and softened butter. Using a pastry cutter or the gentle pressure of your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
- In the center of the dry ingredients, use your fingers or a spoon to create a well. This well will act as a container for the wet ingredients. Once the well is formed, carefully pour the wet mixture into it. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the chopped green onions and parsley. Don't forget the magic touch! Season the mixture with salt and black pepper according to your own taste preference.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth.
- Once kneaded, securely wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Let it rest and develop flavor in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or you can store it there overnight for a chilled and ready-to-bake dough later.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Using a pastry brush, gently coat the surface of the dough with half of the melted butter.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1-inch squares.
- Stack the squares on top of each other, then gently twist or roll them up.
- Transfer the rolled dough pieces to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter.
- Let it bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top transforms into a warm, golden brown. This is your cue to take it out!
- Let the bread cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of melted butter and olive oil for brushing the dough.
- You can add other herbs to the dough, such as dill, thyme, or rosemary.
5. Fast Mini Breads with Herbs
These bite-sized breads are perfect for an on-the-go snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 300 grams flour
- 200 ml warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 3 grams salt
- 1 medium onion
- 200 grams spring onions (finely chopped)
- Hot chili pepper (to taste, optional)
- Oil, for brushing and greasing
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, warm water, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add the grated onion, chopped spring onions, and hot chili pepper (if using). Use a spoon or whisk to thoroughly combine the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Divide the dough into 12-15 equal pieces. Gently cup each piece of dough in your hands and roll it into a smooth, small ball.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the surface of each dough ball with a thin layer of oil.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden brown color to develop on the tops, indicating they're finished baking.
- Let the bread cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- You can substitute other vegetables for the onion and spring onions, such as grated carrots or chopped bell peppers.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs of your choice.
- For a cheesier flavor, sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the dough balls before baking.
These five bread recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures to suit your taste buds. From fluffy breakfast breads to savory flatbreads and bite-sized snacks, you're sure to find a recipe you'll love. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking adventures. So, get ready to elevate your meals and enjoy the fresh taste of homemade bread!
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