There’s something so comforting about the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. It fills the whole house with warmth, and suddenly even the simplest meal feels like home.

This is the bread I come back to over and over again. It’s soft, flavourful, and incredibly forgiving — perfect for busy homemakers who want a dependable recipe that doesn’t require a bread machine or complicated techniques.

Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty soup, using it for sandwiches, or just enjoying a warm slice with butter, this bread is the kind that brings everyone to the kitchen before it’s even out of the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Bread

Simple ingredients — nothing fancy, just pantry staples.
Makes two loaves — one for now, one for later (or to share).
Soft and fluffy with a perfectly golden crust.
Versatile — great for toast, sandwiches, or with soup.
No kneading machine needed — just your hands and a little patience.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons yeast
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups warm water
½ cup avocado oil (or another neutral oil)
7–10 cups flour (start with 7 and add more as needed)

Instructions

Activate the yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to foam — that’s how you know your yeast is active.
Mix the dough
Add salt and avocado oil, then stir in the flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky. You may not need all 10 cups of flour.
Knead and rise
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the loaves
Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into two equal parts, shape into loaves, and place in greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise again for about 1 hour.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on top.
Cool and serve
Remove from pans and let cool on a wire rack. Brush with a little butter if you’d like a soft crust (my favourite touch).

How to Serve It

Fresh from the oven with butter and honey
Toasted with homemade jam
As the base for open-faced sandwiches
Alongside soups, stews, or chili
Cubed and used for Sourdough Stuffing or Homemade Croutons

Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread

Use warm (not hot) water — too hot can kill your yeast.
Rising time matters — don’t rush it; good bread needs time.
Store properly — once cool, keep your loaves in an airtight bag or bread box for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Simple Homemade Bread

Why You’ll Love This Bread

Ingredients

Instructions

How to Serve It

Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread