Here’s a simple, versatile bread dough recipe you can use for loaves, rolls, or buns 🍞
Basic Bread Dough
Ingredients (makes 1 standard loaf)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (105–115°F / 40–46°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
1. Activate yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
- Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add yeast mixture and oil/butter.
- Stir until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead
- Turn dough onto a floured surface.
- Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- (Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.)
4. First rise
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat.
- Cover and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape
- Punch down dough and shape into loaf, rolls, or buns.
- Place in greased loaf pan or baking sheet.
6. Second rise
- Cover and let rise 30–60 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake 25–30 minutes (loaf) or 15–20 minutes (rolls) until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Tips
- For a softer crust: Brush top with butter immediately after baking.
- For flavor: Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough.
- Make-ahead: Dough can be refrigerated overnight after first rise.
Variations
- Whole wheat: Replace 1–2 cups flour with whole wheat flour.
- Sweet bread: Add ¼ cup sugar/honey and 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Garlic knots: Roll dough, cut into strips, tie knots, brush with garlic butter.
If you want, I can also give a no-knead version, sourdough starter dough, or quick bread dough for pizza or flatbreads.
Which one should I show?
