Sometimes the best recipes come from simple moments. I still remember the first time I tried baking bread at home. It was a cold afternoon, and I wanted something warm, fresh, and comforting — something that made the whole house smell good. I didn’t have fancy ingredients, and I definitely wasn’t a bread expert. All I had was a packet of instant yeast, some flour, and a little bit of courage.

That first loaf wasn’t perfect, but the feeling of pulling warm bread out of the oven stayed with me. And over time, I learned an easier, softer, fool-proof method that anyone can make — even if they’ve never baked bread before.

Today, I’m sharing that complete method with you.

This bread is soft, fluffy, golden, and smells like a warm bakery. You only need basic ingredients, instant yeast, and one bowl. No big techniques. No stress. Just simple homemade comfort.

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Why This Simple Bread Works So Well

This recipe has become a favorite because it is:

• Easy for beginners

• Quick compared to traditional bread

• Doesn’t need a lot of kneading

• Uses instant yeast (so no proofing water needed)

• Soft enough for sandwiches

• Crispy enough for toast

The dough comes together smoothly, and instant yeast activates fast — giving you a perfectly risen loaf every time.

The Ingredients (Simple & Everyday)

You only need:

• Flour

• Instant yeast

• Warm water

• Sugar

• Salt

• Oil or melted butter

Nothing complicated. Everything mixes easily.

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Activate the Instant Yeast in the Dough

Instant yeast is amazing because you don’t need to soak it separately.
You mix it directly with the flour.

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• flour

• instant yeast

• sugar

• salt

This allows the yeast to spread evenly through the dough.

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Add Warm Water & Oil

Pour warm water (not hot!) and a little oil into the dry mixture.

Use your hands or a spoon to bring the dough together.
It will be slightly sticky at first — this is normal.

Stickiness means moisture, and moisture means soft bread later.

Knead Until Smooth

You don’t have to knead for 20 minutes.
Just 6–8 minutes is enough.

Press, fold, turn — that’s it.

Soon the dough becomes smoother and softer under your hands.

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First Rise (Let It Grow)

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.

Cover with a towel or cling wrap.

Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

This is where instant yeast works like magic — fast, simple, reliable.

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Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch it gently (the fun part).

Shape it into a loaf — oval or rectangle, whatever you like.

Place it into a baking pan.

Second Rise (Short But Important)

Let the shaped dough rise again for 25–30 minutes.

This final rise makes the bread soft and airy.

Bake Until Golden

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30–35 minutes.

When the top turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, it is ready.

Your kitchen will smell like a small bakery — warm, sweet, comforting.

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Cool & Enjoy

Let the loaf rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Slice it warm with butter…
Toast it with honey…
Make sandwiches…
Or serve it with soup.

Homemade bread tastes like happiness.

Soft & Fluffy Bread with Instant Yeast

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Rise Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant yeast 2 ¼ tsp
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 cup warm water not hot — 105°F–110°F

Method

 

1. Activate the Dry Mix
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
3. Add Water & Oil
4. Slowly pour warm water and oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. First Rise
8. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
9. Shape the Loaf
10. Punch down the dough, shape it into a log, and fit it into a bread pan.
11. Second Rise
12. Let the loaf rest for 20–25 minutes until it puffs up.
13. Bake
14. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
15. Cool & Slice
16. Let the bread cool fully before slicing for the softest texture.

Notes

• Instant yeast does not need to be dissolved in water first.
• Add 1 extra tablespoon sugar for a slightly sweeter bread.
• For extra softness, replace half the water with warm milk.

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🥖 Storage Tips

• Store at room temperature for 3 days in an airtight bag.
• Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Toast frozen slices directly without thawing.

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🍽 Serving Ideas

• Perfect for sandwiches and toast
• Great with butter, jam, cheese, or garlic spread
• Works well for French toast the next day