I Don't Buy Bread Anymore! Now I Make it More Delicious at Home! Easiest Bread Recipe
I Don't Buy Bread Anymore! Now I Make it More Delicious at Home! Easiest Bread Recipe is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 225 calories per serving. Recipe by مطبخ ساره وملك // Sarah and Malak’s Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 20 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 2 hrs
Cost: $1.05 total, $0.26 per serving
Ingredients
- 7 g Active Dry Yeast (instant or active dry yeast)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (mild honey preferred)
- 300 ml Warm Water (about 40 °C, warm to activate yeast)
- 500 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
Instructions
Activate Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast, honey, and warm water. Stir until the yeast dissolves and the mixture becomes frothy.
Time: PT5M
Add Flour and Salt
Add the sifted all‑purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Time: PT3M
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8‑10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Time: PT10M
First Rest (Proof)
Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Time: PT1H
Divide and Shape
Punch down the risen dough, divide it into 8 equal portions, and gently shape each piece into a round or oval loaf, being careful not to deflate the air pockets.
Time: PT10M
Preheat Oven
While shaping, preheat the oven to 220 °C (425 °F) with a baking sheet or stone inside.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 220°C
Bake the Bread
Place the shaped loaves on the preheated baking sheet, bake for 20‑25 minutes until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 220°C
Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven, transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 225
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 40 g
- Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains honey
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: instant yeast, fresh yeast (10 g)
- Instead of Honey: maple syrup, granulated sugar
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: bread flour
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Clean Work Surface
- Baking Sheet or Loaf Pan
- Oven
- Wire Rack
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Activating the yeast with warm water and honey
- Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic
- Allowing the dough to proof for at least 1 hour
- Preheating the oven to a high temperature (220 °C)
- Checking for a golden crust and hollow sound to confirm doneness
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a splash of milk to the dough for an even softer crumb.
- Brush the loaves with melted butter before baking for a glossy finish.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top before baking.
Troubleshooting
Dough does not rise.
Check that the water temperature was not too hot or too cold; use water around 40 °C and ensure the yeast is fresh. A warm, draft‑free environment speeds up fermentation.
Bread is dense or heavy.
Knead longer to develop gluten and make sure the dough was allowed to double in size before shaping. Under‑proofed dough traps less air.
Crust is too hard.
Brush the tops with a little melted butter or honey right after removing from the oven, and store in a paper bag rather than airtight plastic.
Storage
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container; lasts 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Wrap each loaf in foil and place in a freezer bag; freeze up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Keep in a bread box or paper bag for up to 2 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Shape the loaves, freeze them raw, and bake from frozen adding 5‑7 extra minutes.
- After the first proof, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours for a slower fermentation and richer flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance of homemade bread in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Bread is a staple in Middle Eastern households, symbolizing hospitality and daily sustenance. Freshly baked loaves are often shared at meals, celebrations, and religious gatherings, embodying warmth and community.
What traditional regional variations of honey‑sweetened bread exist in Middle Eastern cuisine?
In the Levant, honey‑sweetened breads like “khubz bi ‘asal” are common for breakfast, while in the Gulf, a similar dough may be flavored with cardamom or saffron. Each region adds its own spice or topping to create a unique twist.
How is simple honey yeast bread traditionally served in Middle Eastern households?
It is typically served warm, sliced, and enjoyed with olive oil, labneh, or alongside stews and soups. It can also be used to scoop up mezze spreads or as a base for breakfast with cheese and olives.
During which occasions is homemade bread especially important in Middle Eastern culture?
Bread is central to Ramadan iftars, Eid celebrations, weddings, and family gatherings. Baking a fresh loaf is seen as a gesture of love and generosity during these events.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Middle Eastern honey bread versus common substitutes?
Authentic recipes use natural honey, active dry yeast, and unbleached all‑purpose flour. Substitutes like maple syrup for honey or bread flour for all‑purpose flour work, but they slightly alter flavor and texture.
What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with this honey yeast bread?
It pairs beautifully with hummus, baba ganoush, grilled kebabs, lentil soups, and cheese spreads such as labneh or halloumi. The subtle sweetness complements savory, spiced dishes.
How has homemade bread making evolved in modern Middle Eastern kitchens?
While traditional hearth ovens are still cherished, many home cooks now use electric ovens and stand mixers for convenience. Recipes have been streamlined, but the emphasis on a hot oven and proper proofing remains unchanged.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this honey yeast bread?
Common errors include using water that is too hot (killing the yeast), under‑kneading the dough, not allowing the dough to double in size, and baking at a temperature that is too low, which prevents a crisp crust.
How do I know when the honey yeast bread is done baking?
The loaves should be golden brown, sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, and reach an internal temperature of about 95 °C (203 °F). A well‑browned crust and hollow sound indicate doneness.
What does the YouTube channel Sarah and Malak’s Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sarah and Malak’s Kitchen focuses on simple, family‑friendly Middle Eastern home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday dishes and traditional favorites.
How does the YouTube channel Sarah and Malak’s Kitchen’s approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Sarah and Malak’s Kitchen emphasizes clear, concise instructions in Arabic with English subtitles, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and often shares cultural anecdotes, making the recipes accessible to both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
