How to Make Soft Bakery-Style Bread at Home - No Sourdough Starter Needed

I grew up eating homemade bread. My mom baked bread for us all the time when I was younger, and she still does it to this day. The smell of fresh bread in the kitchen was just normal to me. It wasn’t something special or trendy. It was simply part of everyday life.

So when I first saw people on TikTok going crazy over baking bread at home, I was honestly confused.

Soon, I realized that baking bread at home isn’t actually that common in countries like the USA and in many households in general. For a lot of people, homemade bread feels complicated or intimidating.

I know sourdough bread is going viral right now, but let’s be honest, maintaining a starter and perfecting the process can feel unattainable for many of us.

That’s why I want to share this simple bread recipe with you. It tastes like you just bought it fresh from the bakery, soft on the inside, golden on the outside, but without added chemicals or preservatives.

And the best part? You can actually make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 500 ml warm water (not boiling)
• 7 g dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 720 g all-purpose flour
• 100 g extra flour (for kneading)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water

That’s it. Simple, everyday ingredients.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by pouring 500 ml of warm water into a bowl. The water should be warm, not hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.

Add:

• 7 g dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to look foamy on top. That means the yeast is active and your bread will rise properly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

While the yeast is activating, mix together in a large bowl:

• 720 g all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt

1. Make sure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
2. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil.
4. Now combine everything together until a dough forms.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough (The Important Part)

Once your dough starts coming together, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes.

You can add a little bit of the extra flour (from the 100 g) gradually while kneading if the dough feels too sticky. Try not to add too much at once, the dough should be soft and slightly elastic, not dry.

How do you know it’s ready?

• It feels smooth.
• It springs back slightly when you press it.
• It’s no longer sticking to your hands.

This step is what gives your bread that bakery-style texture.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Lightly oil a separate bowl.

Place the dough inside and rub a small amount of oil on top of it as well. This prevents it from drying out.

Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or foil and leave it in a warm place for at least 1 hour.

During this time, the dough should double in size. This is where the magic happens.

Step 5: Shape the Bread

Once the dough has risen, lightly oil your working surface (instead of using too much flour).

Divide the dough into 2 equal parts.

Gently press each piece with your fingers to stretch it slightly. Then roll it tightly into a bread roll shape.

Place the rolls onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Let them rest for another 30 minutes. This second rise makes the bread even softer inside.

Step 6: Optional Golden Finish

If you want that shiny bakery-style crust, mix:

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water

Brush this mixture over the top of the bread before baking.

This step is optional, but highly recommended if you want that beautiful golden color.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 200°C.

Bake the bread for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

If you tap the bottom and it sounds hollow, it’s done.

Let it cool slightly before slicing (if you can wait, I usually can’t).

Why This Bread Tastes Like Bakery Bread

There are a few simple reasons this recipe works so well:

1. Proper yeast activation ensures a good rise.
2. Kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread structure.
3. Two rising periods create softness and airiness.
4. The egg wash gives it that professional finish.

The inside turns out soft and fluffy, while the outside has a light golden crust, exactly what you expect from bakery bread.

Beginner Tips for Perfect Bread

If this is your first time making bread, here are a few things to remember:

• Don’t use boiling water for yeast.
• Be patient with rising time.
• Don’t skip kneading.
• Every kitchen is slightly different. If your dough is too sticky, add flour slowly.

Bread making doesn’t have to be intimidating. Once you try it, you realize it’s more about patience than perfection.

Final Thoughts

There is something special about pulling homemade bread out of your own oven. It makes your kitchen smell amazing and instantly feels comforting.

This homebaked bread recipe is simple, affordable, and beginner-friendly. You don’t need expensive tools or years of experience, just a little time and patience.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. Do you prefer your bread plain, with butter, or toasted with something sweet?

Homemade bread might just become your new favorite cozy ritual 🤍🍞