FOOD Bake Once, Eat All Week: 10 Breads From 1 Dough

Bake Once, Eat All Week: 10 Breads From 1 Dough

by Thelittleshine
by Thelittleshine

A versatile dough that can become a dozen different breads — from everyday loaves to flavorful artisan variations.

Bake Once, Eat All Week: 10 Breads From 1 Dough

⭐ Basic Bread Dough

Servings: 1 standard loaf
Hands-on Time: 15 mins
Rise + Bake Time: 2 hrs approx

Ingredients

  • Warm water — 1 cup / 240 ml (110°F / 43°C)
  • Instant dry yeast — 2¼ tsp (1 packet)
  • Sugar — 1 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour — 3 cups / 360 g
  • Salt — 1 tsp
  • Olive oil — 2 tbsp (or melted butter)

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast
    In a large bowl, mix warm water + sugar + yeast. Rest 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough
    Add flour, salt, and oil. Stir and knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.
    (If sticky → add 1–2 tbsp flour. If dry → add 1 tbsp water.)
  3. First rise
    Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
  4. Shape
    Punch down, shape into a loaf (or rolls), and place into a greased loaf tin or baking tray.
  5. Second rise
    Cover and rest 30–45 minutes.
  6. Bake
    Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C / 375°F for 25–30 minutes
    until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  7. Cool fully before slicing — helps texture!

🎯 Store at room temp up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.

1️⃣ Whole Wheat Bread

  • Replace 1½ cups flour with whole wheat flour
  • Add 1–2 tbsp extra water
  • Optional flavor boost: 1 tbsp honey

Results in a denser but hearty, fiber-rich loaf.

2️⃣ Herb & Garlic Bread

  • Add 2–3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • Add 1–2 tsp dried herbs or 2 tbsp fresh chopped herbs
  • Brush top with garlic butter before & after baking

Perfect for pasta nights or dipping in soups.

3️⃣ Honey Oat Loaf

  • Replace sugar with 2 tbsp honey
  • Add ½ cup rolled oats into the dough
  • Sprinkle oats on top before baking (brush with milk/honey water to stick)

Slightly sweet, soft, and kid-friendly.

4️⃣ Seeded Multiseed Bread

  • Add 3–4 tbsp assorted seeds inside
    (sunflower, pumpkin, flax, sesame)
  • Press extra seeds on top before baking

Boosts nutrition + crunch.

5️⃣ Cinnamon Raisin Bread

  • Add ½ cup raisins (soak in warm water 10 mins if dry)
  • Add 2 tsp cinnamon
  • Increase sugar to 2 tbsp if you prefer sweetness

Makes heavenly toast with butter 🤤

6️⃣ Cheese Pull-Apart Bread

  • Fold in 1–1½ cups shredded cheese
    (cheddar, mozzarella or a mix)
  • Sprinkle extra cheese on top

Cheesy aroma = irresistible.

7️⃣ Olive & Sundried Tomato Artisan Loaf

  • Add ½ cup chopped olives
  • Add ¼ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
  • Sprinkle Italian herbs + coarse salt on top

A Mediterranean bakery vibe at home.

8️⃣ Soft Milk Bread

  • Replace water with warm milk
  • Add 1 extra tbsp butter
  • Optional: 1 egg for extra richness

Super soft and fluffy — great for sandwiches.

9️⃣ Jalapeño Cheddar Loaf (Spicy!)

  • Add ½ cup chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • Add 1 cup grated cheddar
  • Brush top with melted butter

The ultimate chili-cheese toast base.

🔟 Sweet Tea Bread (Cardamom or Vanilla)

  • Increase sugar to ¼ cup
  • Add 1 tsp vanilla or 1 tsp cardamom
  • Sprinkle sugar on top before baking

Lovely with chai, coffee, or tea time.

✅ Tips for Best Bread Every Time

  • Warm environment = faster rising (place bowl in microwave/off oven)
  • Don’t rush rises — flavor + texture come from time
  • Steam in oven for crunchier crust: place a tray of hot water at the bottom
  • Brush top with butter after baking for a softer crust
  • Use bread flour if you want extra elasticity & height