Make Bread

When you have some spare time, baking a loaf of bread can be a brilliant way to destress and create something wonderful from just a few basic ingredients. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite recipes, from our classic white loaf to alternative ideas which make use of the different ingredients you might have in your cupboard

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BAGUETTES

Helen Carey, a chef at the Waitrose Cookery School, gives us a step-by-step guide to making classic crusty, golden baguettes. Enjoy warm from the oven, filled with whatever takes your fancy...

See the full recipe

Why not join one of our virtual Waitrose Cookery School classes? View the full range of courses aimed at all levels from beginners to confident foodies

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A BREAD FOR EVERY OCCASION

Bread comes in many different forms and works with all sorts of dishes. From Indian naan served with curry to Italian focaccia, ideal with antipasti, there’s always an excuse to bake fresh bread

Garlic and coriander naan bread

Martha Collison’s focaccia

Chorizo, onion & roast tomato tear & share bread

Martha’s brioche buns

How to make garlic bread

Making your own baguettes from scratch isn't as tricky as you might think. Martha's filled hers with slow-roasted garlic, adding a mellow sweet garlic flavour that elevates these baguettes out of the ordinary. Once cooked, spread with butter for a delicious side

Martha Collison’s garlic baguettes

Bread going stale?

Eggy bread, otherwise known as French toast or pain perdu, makes a brilliant brunch dish. Stale bread is great for soaking up the egg and milk mixture, before frying in a pan and eating straight away. We've used brioche here, but you can use any bread you like

Blueberry and banana eggy bread recipe

HOW TO MAKE A SIMPLE WHITE LOAF

A brilliant bread to master, with a soft middle and crisp crust. All you need is five ingredients and a little patience

Step 1

Mix 250g strong white bread flour, 1 tsp easy bake yeast, 1 tsp fine salt and 1 tsp sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and pour in 2 tbsp olive oil and 130ml warm water. Mix together with a wooden spoon until combined, then bring together with your hands. Knead by hand on the work surface for 8-10 minutes, only dusting with a little flour if it's sticky

Step 2

Once the dough is smooth and shiny, turn it in your hands, tucking under to make a smooth dome on top. Place seam-side down on a floured baking tray; gently pat down the top to flatten slightly. Cover with a sheet of lightly oiled cling film and leave to rise for 1 hour 15 minutes

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 200˚C, gas mark 6. Uncover the dough and, using a sharp serrated knife, make three 0.5cm-deep slits across the top. Cover again and leave for 15 minutes. Uncover, dust the top with a little more flour and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely before slicing

IF YOU'RE SHORT ON ANY OF THOSE INGREDIENTS, HERE ARE SOME OTHER BREAD RECIPES TO TRY

No yeast or strong bread flour?

Bake soda bread. It doesn’t need lots of kneading or proving, making it one of the quickest and easiest breads to make. If you don’t have wholemeal and plain flour, use whatever plain flour you have to hand, such as rye, spelt, or you can use all plain flour

Bake Martha Collison’s soda bread

Have self-raising flour and yogurt?

Make these quick and easy two ingredient flatbreads. Serve with dips, as a wrap for lunch, or with grilled meats and fish, curries and stews

Make simple flatbreads

For a gluten-free option

This tasty gluten-free beer bread is perfect for sandwiches, toasted and spread with butter, or dunked into soup. Use any gluten-free beer you have

Try the recipe

Only have plain flour, and fancy a challenge?

Take the time to create this beautiful challah loaf. The dough includes eggs and a little sugar, which creates a richer bread, and it is traditionally braided – a fun skill to learn for other recipes

Give it a go