You dream of a good homemade bread that fills your kitchen with aroma, but you don’t have a bread machine? Good news: you don’t need one! In this article, I will teach you how to make delicious bread with simple ingredients, a little elbow grease, and zero gadgets. Come on, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
the ingredients you need
Before you start, make sure you have everything on hand. Don’t panic, the list is short and basic. Here’s what you will need:
- 500 g of flour (type T55 or T65, but you can vary for more fun)
- 300 ml of warm water
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or 20 g of fresh yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, but it boosts the rise)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (optional, for a softer crumb)
step 1: mix, knead, and get muscular
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. If you want to be precise, make a little crater in the middle, like a dormant volcano (practical and fun). Dissolve your yeast in the warm water with the sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes while it activates. Once ready, pour it into the center of your flour and start mixing gently with a wooden spoon or your hands.
When the dough starts to form, knead it on a lightly floured work surface. There you go, this is where you earn your baker badge: use your palms to push the dough, fold it over itself, and repeat for 8 to 10 minutes. Yes, it’s a workout, but your bread is worth it!
step 2: let the dough rise (literally)
Once well kneaded, your dough should be soft, pliable, and slightly elastic. Place it back in the bowl, cover with a clean cloth (and damp if possible), and let it rest in a warm place for about 1.5 hours. The goal? For the dough to double in size. If your kitchen is a bit cool, one trick is to place the bowl near a radiator or in an oven that is turned off but preheated to 30 °C.
step 3: shaping and second rise
When your dough has risen well (and you want to say “well done” to it), deflate it. Yes, that means pressing down to expel the air. Then, shape it as you like: into a ball, a baguette, or even into individual rolls.
Place your shaped bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover again with the cloth, and let it rise a second time for 30 to 45 minutes. This step guarantees a nicely airy crumb!
summary table of preparation times
| Step | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|
| Mixing and kneading | 10 min |
| First rise | 1h30 |
| Shaping | 10 min |
| Second rise | 30-45 min |
| Baking | 25-30 min |
step 4: baking, the big moment
Preheat your oven to 230 °C (or to the max if your oven doesn’t go that high). Place a bowl of water at the bottom of the oven: it creates steam and gives a crispy crust to die for. Bake your bread and let it cook for about 25 to 30 minutes. The secret to know if it’s ready? Gently tap the bottom: it should sound hollow.
tips for great bread
- Want a nicely golden bread? Brush it lightly with water or milk before baking.
- Not a fan of white bread? Add 50% whole grain flour or try rye flour.
- For an original bread: incorporate seeds (sesame, poppy, sunflower) or herbs (rosemary, thyme) into your dough.
nice variations to try
If you master the basic recipe, why not mix it up a bit? Here are some ideas for homemade breads that will make a sensation at the table:
- Whole grain bread: replace half of the white flour with whole grain flour.
- Nut bread: add a handful of crushed nuts for a rustic touch.
- No-knead bread: simply mix all ingredients and let rise longer (12h in the fridge, for example).
frequently asked questions about homemade bread
1. Can we use gluten-free flour? Yes, but the result will be different. Use a gluten-free flour blend with gums (xanthan or guar) to improve the texture.
2. How to store homemade bread? Once cooled, wrap it in a clean cloth or an airtight box. Avoid the fridge, which dries out the bread.
3. Can I freeze my bread? Of course! Keep it sliced so you can take out just what you need.
why make your own bread?
Because it’s simple, economical, and so rewarding. You control what you put in, you avoid industrial additives, and, cherry on the cake (or rather on the bread), you impress everyone with your baking talent.
So, ready to jump in? Once you’ve tasted your homemade bread, it will be hard to go back to store-bought baguettes!
If this article made you want to knead like never before, share it with your friends or family. And if you’re looking for more ideas, discover our complementary recipes to accompany your bread, such as homemade jams or comforting soups.
