15 Easy Bread Recipes for Effortless Baking at Home
Baking bread at home can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With easy bread recipes, you can create delicious loaves that suit your taste and skill level.
Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, there are plenty of simple options that can help you enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of homemade bread.
From quick and easy no-knead recipes to classic dinner rolls, there’s a bread recipe for everyone. You will find the joy of baking bread without the need for complicated techniques or special equipment. Get ready to impress family and friends with your baking skills!
1) Easy No-Knead Bread
Making no-knead bread is simple and rewarding. You only need a few ingredients and minimal effort. This bread has a crusty outside and a soft inside, perfect for any meal.
To start, mix flour, water, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Let the dough rise for several hours, usually about 12-18 hours, to develop flavor.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Shape your dough and let it rest while the oven heats. Bake it in a Dutch oven for the best results, which gives it that lovely, crispy crust.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1½ cups water
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
- Add water and stir until combined.
- Cover and let rise for 12-18 hours at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Shape the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Bake in a covered Dutch oven for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
2) Beginner Banana Bread
Making banana bread is a great way to use ripe bananas. It’s easy and perfect for beginners. You only need a few simple ingredients.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, gather your ingredients and mash 3 large ripe bananas in a bowl.
Next, mix in sugar, flour, and eggs. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy a warm slice with butter or by itself!
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the bananas in a bowl.
- Mix in sugar, flour, and eggs.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes.
- Let cool before slicing.
3) Quick Beer Bread
Making quick beer bread is simple and fun! You only need a few ingredients to create a delicious loaf. The beer adds flavor and helps make the bread fluffy.
Start with all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Then, grab a can or bottle of your favorite beer. This helps develop the gluten and gives the bread its nice texture.
You can enjoy this bread warm with butter or use it for sandwiches. It’s a great side with soups and stews too!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 12 ounces beer (any type)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Pour in the beer and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let it cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
4) Simple Soda Bread
Soda bread is an easy and quick recipe that requires no yeast. You can have freshly baked bread in under an hour. It’s perfect for beginners and pairs well with soups and stews.
To start, mix together flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Then, add buttermilk and stir until it forms a soft dough. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky; that’s normal!
Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet. Score a deep “X” on top to help it cook evenly. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk and stir.
- Shape into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet.
- Score a deep “X” on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
5) Cheesy Garlic Bread
Cheesy garlic bread is a delightful treat that pairs well with many meals. It’s simple to make and tastes amazing. The combination of melted cheese and garlic brings out a savory flavor that you will love.
To make it, start with a loaf of your favorite bread. Cut the bread into slices without cutting all the way through, which helps it hold together while baking.
Mix soft butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese together for the topping. Spread this mixture between the slices and on top.
Then, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bread without cutting all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread the mixture in the bread slices and on top.
- Add mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
6) Easy Focaccia
Making focaccia is simple and fun. This bread has a crispy crust and a soft inside. It’s great for sandwiches or as a side with soup.
You only need a few ingredients. Start with flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. You can even add herbs for extra flavor.
Mix the ingredients and let the dough rise. Then, spread it in a pan, dimple the surface, and drizzle with more olive oil. Bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until combined.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes.
- Let it rise for 1 hour.
- Spread in a greased pan and make dimples with your fingers.
- Drizzle olive oil and add herbs if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Enjoy!
7) Basic Whole Wheat Bread
Making basic whole wheat bread is simple and rewarding. You’ll enjoy the taste and the smell that fills your kitchen. It’s a great choice for sandwiches or toast.
To start, you’ll need some basic ingredients like whole wheat flour, yeast, water, and a little salt.
Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Add whole wheat flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch down, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased pan.
- Let it rise again for about 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes. Enjoy your homemade bread!
8) Gluten-Free Quick Bread
Gluten-free quick bread is an easy and tasty option for anyone avoiding gluten. These breads are simple to make and require no yeast, which means no rising time. You can enjoy fresh bread in less than an hour.
Many recipes use alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. You can mix in your favorite ingredients like nuts, fruits, or spices to customize your bread.
An easy recipe to try is flaxseed bread, which is not only gluten-free but also dairy-free. It’s slightly sweet and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup honey
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
9) Soft Dinner Rolls
Soft dinner rolls are a perfect addition to any meal. They are fluffy, buttery, and easy to make. You can enjoy them with soup, as a side, or even for sandwiches.
To make these rolls, you only need a few simple ingredients. This recipe is great for beginners and requires no special equipment. Just mix everything together and let the dough rise.
For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After baking, the rolls should be golden brown and soft to the touch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm milk and melted butter, then mix well.
- Beat in the egg until fully combined.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Shape into rolls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
10) Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Sweet Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. The fragrant blend of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, cozy flavor. Your kitchen will smell wonderful while it bakes.
To start, mix your dry ingredients, including flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, combine sugar with cinnamon to create the swirl mixture. This adds a sweet touch to every slice.
Next, prepare your batter by combining wet ingredients like eggs and milk. Fold in the flour mixture gently. Layer in the cinnamon-sugar blend for that classic swirl.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. Allow it to cool before slicing. You’ll enjoy the soft texture and sweet taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Whisk egg and milk together.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Layer batter with the cinnamon-sugar mix in a loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden.
11) Classic Sourdough Starter
Creating a classic sourdough starter is the first step to making delicious sourdough bread. A starter is a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast from the environment. You will need time and patience, but the result is worth it.
To begin, mix equal parts of all-purpose flour and water. A good starting ratio is 1 cup (120 grams) of flour to 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Stir it well until it’s smooth.
Cover the mixture loosely and let it sit at room temperature. You’ll want to “feed” the starter daily with more flour and water for about a week. It’s ready when it bubbles and doubles in size within a few hours.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
Cooking Instructions
- Mix flour and water in a bowl.
- Stir until smooth.
- Cover loosely and let sit at room temperature.
- Feed daily with equal parts flour and water for about a week.
- Look for bubbles and doubling in size.
12) Easy Brioche Loaf
Making an easy brioche loaf is fun and rewarding. This bread is rich, soft, and perfect for breakfast or snacks. Its buttery flavor and fluffy texture make it a favorite.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need bread flour, instant yeast, salt, eggs, sugar, and unsalted butter. The eggs give the brioche its lovely color and richness.
Warm your milk to about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast.
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combine them for a smooth dough.
Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. After that, shape it into a loaf and let it rise again before baking.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Cooking Instructions
- Warm the milk to 110°F (43°C).
- Mix the dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls.
- Combine the mixtures and knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size (1.5–2 hours).
- Shape the dough into a loaf and let it rise again.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
13) Rye Bread with Caraway Seeds
Rye bread with caraway seeds is a delicious option for sandwiches or toast. Its unique flavor comes from the earthy rye flour and the distinct taste of caraway seeds. You will enjoy the rich aroma as it bakes.
Making this bread is straightforward. You mix the ingredients, let the dough rise, and bake. The result is a hearty bread that pairs well with various toppings.
This bread typically takes around two hours from start to finish, including rising time. It’s a great choice for beginner bakers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) rye flour
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (10g) caraway seeds
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Add yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine rye flour, all-purpose flour, caraway seeds, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the yeast mixture and oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased pan.
- Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
14) Savory Herb Bread
Savory Herb Bread is a delightful option for any meal. It combines fresh herbs and cheese for a tasty treat. This bread is easy to make and perfect as a side or snack.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, cheddar cheese, and plenty of herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Mix the dry ingredients first. Then, add in your grated cheese and herbs. Finally, mix in milk and a little olive oil.
Pour the batter into a loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 to 45 minutes. The bread should be golden brown when done.
Let it cool before slicing. Enjoy your warm Savory Herb Bread with your favorite soup or salad!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in cheese and herbs.
- Add milk and olive oil; mix until combined.
- Pour into a loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden.
- Cool before slicing. Enjoy!
15) Quick Nut Bread
Quick nut bread is a delicious and simple option for any time of day. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can enjoy it plain or with your favorite spreads.
To make this bread, you only need a few ingredients. Combine nut varieties like walnuts or pecans for a tasty twist. You can add fruits like bananas for extra flavor too.
Baking quick nut bread is easy. Just mix your wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the nuts.
- In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Then, combine both mixtures until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.