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Soft Homemade Bread Dough Recipe


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4 from 77 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf or 8-10 rolls 1x

Description

This soft homemade bread dough recipe guides you through creating a tender, fluffy loaf or rolls using simple ingredients like yeast, flour, and olive oil. Perfect for beginners, it involves activating yeast, kneading dough, allowing two rises, and baking to golden perfection for fresh, delicious bread at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more for dusting)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for softening the dough)


Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating active yeast.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add flour sparingly if too sticky, avoiding too much which can toughen the bread.
  4. Let It Rise: Grease a clean bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough inside, turning to coat with oil. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Dough: Punch down risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn out onto floured surface and shape into a loaf or divide into portions for rolls or buns.
  6. Second Rise: Place shaped dough on a baking sheet or loaf pan. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffed and slightly raised.
  7. Bake the Bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls 25-30 minutes or loaf 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on bottom.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove bread and cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy fresh, soft homemade bread!

Notes

  • Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Adding butter is optional but helps soften the dough further.
  • Kneading develops gluten giving bread its structure and chewiness.
  • Ensure the dough doubles in size during rises for best texture.
  • The hollow sound when tapping the bottom indicates fully baked bread.
  • For crispier crust, bake on a preheated baking stone or use a steam method in the oven.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American