Bread • Updated Jan 28, 2026

5-Ingredient Classic Bread

Sometimes, the best bread comes from keeping things simple. This recipe uses only five basic ingredients. If you like calm, hands-on baking with a big reward at the end, you’ll enjoy this one.

This is a simple bread you can make any day. I topped mine with sesame seeds for a little extra crunch, but it’s just as good plain. Once you see that tall rise and golden crust, you’ll want to bake it again.

Ingredients

Bread Dough

500 g Bread Flour
7 g Instant Yeast
6 g Salt
300 g Water
30 g Butter (softened)

Optional Topping

Water (a little, for brushing)
Sesame seeds

Baking

Oven temperature: 180°C
Baking time: 25 to 30 minutes
Yield: 8 pieces

Method

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, add bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and water.
Mix on low speed until everything comes together and forms a dough. Increase the speed and continue mixing until the dough looks smooth, about 5 minutes.
Add the softened butter and keep mixing for about 8 minutes, until the dough feels smooth and pliable.
Do a windowpane test. Gently pull the dough, it should become thin without tearing.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll them into balls.
Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Shape and Proof

Lightly dust the dough balls with flour, then gently roll and flatten each piece to release any air bubbles.
Starting from one end, roll the dough up tightly into a log shape.
Lightly brush some water over the shaped dough, then gently dip the wet side into sesame seeds (optional).
Arrange the shaped dough in a lined rectangular pan, leaving some space between each piece.
Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in size.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 to 30 minutes, or until fully baked and golden brown.
Remove it from the pan and place it on a cooling rack.

Baking Notes

Proofing time depends on your room temperature. In a warm kitchen it’s faster, in a cool kitchen it takes longer.
If you prefer it plain, skip the water and sesame seeds.