Soft Homemade Bread Dough

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this bread dough comes together so easily, and the end result is always soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The best part is that it uses basic ingredients that I already have on hand—no fancy equipment required! The dough rises beautifully, and I can use it for so many different types of bread. Whether I’m making fresh dinner rolls, a classic loaf, or even flatbreads, this dough provides the perfect texture every time. Plus, it’s such a satisfying experience to make bread from scratch, and this recipe makes it so approachable for anyone, whether I’m a beginner or an experienced baker.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g)

• 2 teaspoons sugar (10g)

• 1½ tablespoons dry yeast or 2 tablespoons fresh yeast (15g dry or 30g fresh)

• 1½ cups warm water, about 98°F or 37°C (350ml)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the flour, salt, and sugar. I mix them together well.

2. I add the yeast to the dry ingredients and give it a quick stir.

3. Gradually, I pour in the warm water while mixing with a spoon or my hands until a shaggy dough forms.

4. I turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. I lightly grease a glass bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough inside. I turn the dough once to coat its surface with oil.

6. I cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

7. Once the dough has risen, I punch it down to release the air bubbles, and it’s ready to be used for rolls, loaves, or flatbreads.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Rising Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Servings: 10 servings

Variations

This bread dough is versatile, and I love experimenting with different flavors and styles. I can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist, or mix in some garlic powder for an extra boost of flavor. For a slightly sweeter bread, I might try adding honey instead of sugar, or fold in dried fruits and nuts like raisins and walnuts. If I want a more rustic texture, I can add whole wheat flour or a combination of other flours for a heartier loaf. The options are endless, and I can adapt this dough to suit any bread recipe I’m in the mood for!

Storage/Reheating

Once I’ve made my bread, I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If I want to keep the bread fresh for longer, I can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I simply let it thaw at room temperature. To reheat, I can place it in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! I can use active dry yeast in this recipe, but it requires proofing first. To do this, I’ll dissolve the yeast in the warm water with the sugar, let it sit for about 5 minutes to activate, and then proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Can I make this dough without oil?

Yes, the oil is optional. If I prefer, I can skip it, and the dough will still turn out soft and fluffy. The oil just helps with the texture and keeps the dough moist.

Can I use this dough for pizza?

Absolutely! This dough makes a great pizza crust. After the dough has risen, I can roll it out into my desired shape and top it with sauce, cheese, and toppings of my choice.

How can I make this dough rise faster?

To speed up the rising process, I can place the dough in a warm environment, like near a warm oven or in a sunny spot in the kitchen. If I’m in a rush, I can also use a proofing setting on a bread machine if I have one.

Can I freeze this dough?

Yes, I can freeze this dough! After kneading and before the first rise, I can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to use it, I can thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it rise before shaping and baking.

Conclusion

This Soft Homemade Bread Dough is a simple, versatile, and foolproof recipe that yields deliciously fluffy bread every time. It’s the perfect starting point for making rolls, loaves, or flatbreads, and with just a few basic ingredients, I can create fresh, homemade bread in no time. Whether I’m baking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread, this dough will always rise to the occasion.