Dad’s Everyday Family Loaf
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 1 loaf
Elsie’s Rating: “YAY, SANDWICHES”
This easy homemade loaf is soft on the inside with a golden, crisp crust—perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathered in butter. A simple, no-fuss bread recipe that’s great for beginners and Dad’s interested in everyday baking at home.
Ingredients
500 g Bread Flour or All-Purpose Flour
2 tbs Fine Sea Salt
300 ml Warm Water
7g of Fast-acting Yeast (1 Sachet)
3 tbsp Olive Oil
Calories ≈ 200 (Based on thick slice)
Method
Step 1 – Mix the dry ingredients
Add the flour, salt and yeast to a large bowl and give it a good mix.
Step 2 – Bring it together
Make a well in the middle, pour in the olive oil and water, then mix until a dough forms. If it feels a bit stiff, add a splash more water.
Step 3 – Knead the dough
Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for around 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4 – First rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size (or leave it in the fridge overnight if you prefer).
Step 5 – Shape the loaf
Line a baking tray with parchment. Knock the air out of the dough, then gently shape it into a ball.
Step 6 – Second rise
Place the dough onto the tray and leave it to rise again for another hour, until it’s doubled in size. (not an exact science)
Step 7 – Preheat the oven
Heat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan / gas mark 7).
Step 8 – Finish the loaf
Dust the top with a little flour and score the dough with a sharp knife. (make a cross, a line or whatever shape you like… Adds character!)
Step 9 – Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped underneath. Leave to cool on a wire rack.
Dad’s Tips ✔️
If it’s not rising, it’s probably cold
Dough likes warmth. If your kitchen’s chilly, stick it near a radiator or in front of a window.Don’t rush the knead
10 minutes might feel long, but it’s what gives you that soft, proper loaf. Think of it as your arm workout for the day.Knocking it back = oddly satisfying
Punch the air out properly — it helps the texture and, let’s be honest, it’s a bit therapeutic.Tap test never lies
Flip it over and tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, you’ve nailed it. If not, give it a few more minutes.