There’s something comforting about fresh, warm bread made at home. With just one simple dough, you can prepare a variety of delicious, wholesome breads without complicated steps or unhealthy ingredients. This basic recipe is easy to follow, reliable, and perfect for creating both savory and lightly sweet options. Once you learn it, you’ll be able to make many different breads from the same base.
The Basic Dough Recipe
This dough is soft, flexible, and ideal for everyday baking.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
How to prepare it:
- Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for 5–7 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Shape, rest 20 minutes, and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
This dough offers a perfect balance between softness and structure, making it adaptable for many variations.
Delicious Variations You Can Create
1. Garlic Bread
Mix in 1 tablespoon garlic and 1 teaspoon oregano. Brush the top with butter before baking for a fragrant, cozy loaf.
2. Cheese Bread
Add ½–1 cup shredded cheese directly into the dough or use it as a stuffing for a melty center.
3. Sweet Bread
Stir in ¼ cup sugar and a handful of raisins for a light, comforting sweet bread.
4. Herbs Bread
Add 1 teaspoon mixed herbs and a pinch of chili flakes for a flavorful, aromatic loaf.
5. Milk Bread
Replace water with warm milk for an extra soft, tender texture.
6. Stuffed Bread
Fill the dough with vegetables, cheese, chicken, or paneer for a satisfying meal in one slice.
7. Focaccia
Flatten the dough, drizzle olive oil, and top with olives and herbs.
8. Dinner Rolls
Divide into 8 small balls and brush with milk before baking for perfect soft rolls.
9. Flatbread
Roll thin and cook on a pan for quick, simple flatbreads.
Easy, Versatile, and Homemade with Love
With this basic dough, baking becomes fun, flexible, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making a simple loaf or trying a creative variation, each bread is warm, wholesome, and made with ingredients you can trust. Enjoy the process—and the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.
