Go Back
–+ servings

A Simple Loaf of Bread

A loaf of bread with jam and butter
How to bake a simple loaf of bread
Freya
5 from 7 votes
Prep 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rising time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 55 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 2lb Loaf Tin lightly oiled

Ingredients

  • 450 g White Flour - strong
  • 100 g Wholemeal flour
  • 10 g Salt
  • 7 g Yeast - I use instant
  • ½ tsp Sugar
  • 340 ml Water - boiled and then cooled for about 3 minutes

Instructions

  • Place the flours and salt into a large mixing bowl.
  • Place the yeast and sugar into a small bowl and just cover with some of the water. Leave until it is frothy and creamy.
  • Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir with a wooden spoon and half of the remaining of the water to incorporate.
  • Add the last of the water, and, using your hands, knead the mixture until you have a smooth, cohesive ball of dough. This should only take a couple of minutes.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave to rise for a couple of hours.
  • After a couple of hours, the dough will have doubled in size and be light and airy. Knock it down using your fist, then knead into a smooth ball again. Knead for about 4 minutes to ensure a nicely aerated dough. Add a little flour if it feels a little sticky.
  • This time, gently shape the dough so that the edges are folded under and gently place in your lightly oiled loaf tin for its final rise, this time for 45 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 220c.
  • After 45 minutes, the dough will have filled up the loaf tin nearly and will be ready to bake.
  • Bake for 15 minutes at 220c, and then turn the oven down to 200c and bake for another 15 minutes.
  • Remove loaf from the oven and carefully turn out of the pan. Turn the heat down to 180c and return the loaf (without pan) back to the oven for another 15-20 minutes.
  • You will know if the loaf is baked because it will sound hollow if you knock on the bottom of it.
  • Leave to cool on a cooling rack before slicing and serving.

Please note that where the recipe asks for milk, butter or yogurt, this refers to any plant-based version that you prefer.

Nutrition Facts
A Simple Loaf of Bread
Amount per Serving
Calories
2008
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Sodium
 
3907
mg
170
%
Potassium
 
912
mg
26
%
Carbohydrates
 
420
g
140
%
Fiber
 
25
g
104
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
63
g
126
%
Vitamin A
 
9
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
0.02
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
116
mg
12
%
Iron
 
25
mg
139
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.