Learn how to make your own bread

Bread making has recently become very popular as people have more time at home to cook from scratch. Freshly baked bread is a world away from the shop bought loaves and is very easy to do.

Basic white homemade bread recipe:

  • 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 7g sachet fast-action yeast
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 300 ml water

Mix the flour, salt and yeast in a bowl. Make a well in the centre with a spoon, add the oil and water, and mix well to form a dough. If you think the dough is a bit too stiff then add another 1-2 tbsp water

Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Form into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Leave it prove for about an hour until it has doubled in size.

Knock back the dough by gently punching it with your fist, then form it into a ball again and allow it to prove for further hour to double in size. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 220˚C/fan 200˚C/gas 7.

Place the proved loaf on a non-stick baking tray (or line with baking paper). Dust the top with flour and using a sharp knife cut a cross about a centimetre deep in the top.

Bake for 30 minutes until its golden brown. Check that it is cooked by tapping it underneath - it should sound hollow.

Leave to cool on a wire rack.

Top tips for making bread

  • Ensure you use the correct flour – look for the words bread flour or strong flour on the packet. You don’t need to buy the readymade bread mixes for breadmaking machines.
  • Check you have the right yeast – you want fast-action (also called easy blend or easy bake) and not fresh yeast
  • Don’t skip the salt – it is a yeast inhibitor and essential for slowing the rising process which results in a better crumb structure.
  • Give yourself time for the dough to rise. But also don’t over prove it for longer than needed (1-1.5 hours is enough) as the dough will just sink again.
  • Practise makes perfect. Once you have mastered bread making try your hand at making different shapes and rolls.

Customise your homemade bread

Once you have got the basic recipe right you can experiment with adding your own flavours and toppings such as herbs, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and even Kikkoman!

Our naturally brewed soy sauce and Teriyaki Marinade are both great for adding oomph to a loaf - try these simple bread recipes out. Happy baking!