One Basic Bread Dough Recipe

If you’ve ever wished homemade bread could fit right into your busy week, then you’ll fall in love with One Basic Bread Dough. This is my absolute foundational recipe: just a handful of humble ingredients, a little patience, and you’re rewarded with a loaf that’s golden on the outside, soft and chewy in the center, and begging to be slathered with butter. Use it to make everything from simple dinner rolls to sandwiches or pizza, knowing that every bite carries the charm of honest, home baking. Once you try it, One Basic Bread Dough just might become your go-to kitchen trick for cozy, delicious bread anytime.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking bread starts with a few basics, but don’t underestimate how much each component shapes the final loaf! These everyday ingredients come together to create wonderful flavor, the perfect crumb, and that irresistible oven-fresh aroma.

• Flour: The backbone of One Basic Bread Dough, all-purpose or bread flour both work—bread flour gives a chewier texture, while all-purpose lends a softer crumb.
• Water: Lukewarm water helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast gives the lift, making your bread airy and light; just ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar feeds the yeast and encourages a gentle sweetness in the finished loaf.
• Salt: Not just for flavor—salt also helps strengthen the dough, taming the yeast’s rise and giving character to every bite.
• Olive Oil (optional): Adds softness and a hint of richness; it helps keep your bread moist for longer.

How to Make One Basic Bread Dough

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This helps the yeast and sugar disperse evenly, while salt ensures the flavor is balanced throughout the dough. Give everything a quick stir so all the dry ingredients are well-mingled before you add any liquid.

Step 2: Add Water and Mix

Pour in the lukewarm water (and olive oil, if using), then use a sturdy spoon or your hands to bring the mixture together. It should form a shaggy, sticky dough at this stage—that just means the flour is starting to hydrate and the yeast is ready to get to work.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. At first, it might stick to your hands, but soon it will become smooth and elastic. Kneading activates the gluten, giving One Basic Bread Dough its signature chewy structure, so don’t skimp on this step!

Step 4: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. Watching your dough grow is half the fun and signals that the yeast is doing its delicious job.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape it as desired—loaf, rolls, or even pizza bases. Place the shaped dough into a greased tin or onto a baking tray. Let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until slightly puffed. This second rise ensures your One Basic Bread Dough bakes up light and tender.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes (less for rolls, more for a large loaf), or until deeply golden on top and sounding hollow when tapped. Your whole kitchen will start to smell utterly irresistible—bake until you can’t wait any longer, then let it cool slightly before slicing in.

How to Serve One Basic Bread Dough

Garnishes

A shiny brush of melted butter just out of the oven will make the crust soft and golden. For extra flavor, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, sesame seeds, or even fresh herbs on top before baking. Each one adds a special twist to your One Basic Bread Dough loaf.

Side Dishes

This bread is a natural companion for everything from hearty stews and comforting soups to fresh salads. Use thick slices to mop up your favorite pasta sauces or as the base for avocado toast at brunch. The simple flavor profile lets your main dishes shine, but never gets lost on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn One Basic Bread Dough into impressive dinner rolls, braided loaves, or rustic boules. You can even flatten it for pizza or stuff it with herbs and cheese for a special twist. Serve on a wooden cutting board for a cozy, bakery-style vibe—everyone will want to tear off a piece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want it to stay soft, just wrap it in a clean kitchen towel before placing it in a bread box or container. One Basic Bread Dough stays surprisingly fresh, especially if you included that splash of olive oil!

Freezing

Freezing is a breeze: let the bread cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the dough itself after the first rise—simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then shape and bake as usual.

Reheating

Revive day-old bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Slices can be lightly toasted for breakfast, and if you’re heating a whole loaf, a spritz of water on the crust before reheating gives it that just-baked softness. One Basic Bread Dough will taste fresh again in no time!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour in One Basic Bread Dough?

Absolutely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a heartier flavor and more fiber. Just know your bread may be a little denser and will need a touch more water.

Why didn’t my dough rise as expected?

The usual culprit is old or expired yeast. Make sure your yeast bubbles when dissolved in warm water with sugar. Also, ensure your rising spot is warm (but not hot!)—drafts or chilly kitchens slow down the process.

Can I add herbs, cheese, or nuts to One Basic Bread Dough?

Go for it! Mix-ins like chopped rosemary, grated cheese, or toasted nuts can be kneaded in after the first rise. Just keep total additions under 1 cup to avoid weighing down your dough.

What’s the best way to know when my bread is done baking?

If the top is richly golden and the loaf sounds hollow when you tap the bottom, you’re on the right track. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should register about 200°F (93°C) for perfect doneness.

Can I make One Basic Bread Dough in a stand mixer or bread machine?

Definitely! A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easy and consistent. Bread machines handle mixing, kneading, and rising, so just add the ingredients according to your machine’s instructions and let it do the heavy lifting.

Final Thoughts

Baking bread at home doesn’t have to be complicated, and this One Basic Bread Dough proves it. With just a handful of ingredients and a little hands-on time, you’ll have a fresh, fragrant loaf you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite homemade tradition!

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