Homemade bread without a bread maker
- Gather the basic ingredients
- Knead the dough and let it rise
- Bake in a hot pot
- Avoid common mistakes
Ingredients
For basic bread, you will need high-quality flour, water, dry yeast, salt, and a small amount of sugar.
Cooking stages
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add warm water and quickly knead the dough until smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise.
Baking in a pot
Preheat the oven to 220 °C. Place a heavy pot with a lid inside to heat up with the oven.
After the first rise of the dough, shape it into a loaf, make a few slashes, and carefully transfer it to the hot pot.
Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Typical mistakes
- Water that is too cold or too hot slows down or stops the activity of the yeast.
- Insufficient rising time means the dough does not rise, resulting in dense bread.
- An unheated pot means no crust forms, and the bread may 'stick'.
- Excess salt or sugar changes the taste and texture of the crumb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can whole grain flour be used?
Yes, but replace part of the white flour with whole grain in a 1:1 ratio to keep the dough elastic.
How long should the first rise last?
Usually 1–1.5 hours at room temperature, until the dough doubles in size.
Can seeds or nuts be added?
Yes, add them at the end of the kneading so they don't disrupt the dough structure.
How to store the finished bread?
Cool it completely, then store it in a paper bag or cloth bag – this way the crust will stay crispy.
Sources: Culinary portal 'Povarenok' (povar.com), Website 'Food and Recipes' (eda-recept.ru)
⚠️ This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and amounts may change — check for updates on official sources. Updated: August 11, 2026. Edited by MegaInet.art.
