13 Homemade Bread Recipes for Beginner Bakers
These 13 homemade bread recipes are simple to follow and ideal for those who are new to baking.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Bread baking can feel intimidating at first, but starting with basic recipes helps build confidence. This list includes a mix of yeast and no-yeast options that focus on technique, texture, and easy preparation. Each recipe uses accessible ingredients and can be made in a home kitchen without special tools.
1. White Sandwich Bread
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This is a soft and fluffy loaf made with all-purpose flour, yeast, water, milk, sugar, and butter. It rises twice before baking and is shaped in a loaf pan. The crust is light and the inside is tender, making it ideal for everyday use. It stores well and can be sliced for toast or sandwiches.
2. No-Knead Bread
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This recipe uses flour, water, salt, and yeast, and requires very little hands-on time. The dough is mixed and left to rise slowly, often overnight. It is then baked in a covered pot, which gives it a crisp crust and soft inside. This method is popular for its simplicity and consistent results.
3. Whole Wheat Bread
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This bread uses whole wheat flour, which gives it a denser texture and a slightly nutty flavor. It often includes honey or molasses for sweetness and moisture. The dough needs kneading and two rising periods. It is a good choice for those looking to bake with more fiber and nutrients.
4. Irish Soda Bread
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Made with baking soda instead of yeast, this bread uses flour, buttermilk, salt, and soda. The dough comes together quickly and bakes in less than an hour. It has a crusty outside and a soft, crumbly interior. It is often served with butter or jam and does not require rising time.
5. Focaccia
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Focaccia is a flat, oven-baked bread made with olive oil, flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is pressed into a pan, topped with herbs or vegetables, and baked until golden. It has a chewy texture and a slightly crisp crust. It works well as a snack, appetizer, or sandwich base.
6. Dinner Rolls
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These are small, soft rolls made with yeast dough that is divided into individual portions. They require kneading, rising, and shaping before baking. The result is a light, fluffy texture with a mild, buttery flavor. They are commonly served warm with dinner or holiday meals.
7. Baguette
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Baguettes are long, thin loaves with a crisp crust and airy interior. The dough uses just flour, water, yeast, and salt. Shaping and scoring the loaves helps them rise and bake evenly. They are typically baked on a stone or tray for better crust development.
8. Flatbread
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Flatbreads can be made with or without yeast and use flour, water, and salt. The dough is rolled out thin and cooked on a hot surface or in an oven. Some versions include yogurt or oil for extra softness. These are used for wraps, dips, or side dishes.
9. Brioche
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Brioche is a soft, rich bread made with eggs, butter, sugar, and flour. It has a tender texture and slightly sweet flavor. The dough is sticky and needs time to chill before shaping. It is often made into rolls or loaves and is served with both sweet and savory toppings.
10. Cinnamon Swirl Bread
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This loaf is made from a basic white or brioche dough with a cinnamon-sugar filling rolled inside. It is shaped into a spiral and baked in a loaf pan. The bread is soft, with a sweet layer inside each slice. It can be served plain or toasted for breakfast.
11. English Muffins
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These round, flat breads are cooked on a griddle before baking. The dough includes flour, yeast, milk, and sometimes a small amount of sugar. They are split and toasted to reveal their soft, airy texture. English muffins are commonly used for breakfast sandwiches or served with butter and jam.
12. Quick Bread (Banana Bread)
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Quick breads are made without yeast and rely on baking soda or baking powder. Banana bread is one of the most popular types and uses overripe bananas, flour, sugar, eggs, and oil. The batter is mixed and poured directly into a loaf pan. It bakes in about an hour and requires no rising time.
13. Pita Bread
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Pita dough is made with flour, yeast, water, and salt and is rolled into flat rounds. When baked at high heat, the dough puffs up to create a pocket. It can be cut and filled or eaten whole. Pita bread is often served with spreads or used to wrap meats and vegetables.