Bake Once, Eat All Week: 10 Breads From 1 Dough
A versatile dough that can become a dozen different breads — from everyday loaves to flavorful artisan variations.
⭐ 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
- Activate yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water + sugar + yeast. Rest 5 minutes until foamy. - 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.) - First rise
Place dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled. - Shape
Punch down, shape into a loaf (or rolls), and place into a greased loaf tin or baking tray. - Second rise
Cover and rest 30–45 minutes. - Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C / 375°F for 25–30 minutes
until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped. - 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
