My First Attempt at Making Homemade Bread

There’s something almost magical about making your own bread... who knew? I think I'm late to the game! The scent of fresh-baked dough filling the kitchen, the warmth of a freshly sliced loaf, the simplicity of just a few ingredients coming together to create something good for you AND delicious.

I recently got a Cuisinart bread maker, and let me tell you—it has been a game-changer. I made my first loaf of French bread with just three ingredients—flour, water, and yeast—and I was absolutely blown away. The taste? Better than anything from the grocery store. The process? So much easier than I expected. And the price? Less than $2 for an entire loaf, which is significantly cheaper than those artisan loaves from the bakery section.

This is the bread maker I have and it's a best seller on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4bJwPuN

But beyond the ease and affordability, making my own bread fits perfectly into my journey of detoxing from toxins and choosing a cleaner, more mindful way of living. Here’s why homemade bread is better for your health, your wallet, and your overall well-being.

1. No Preservatives, No Additives—Just Real Ingredients

Have you ever read the ingredient list on a store-bought loaf of bread? It’s shocking how many additives, preservatives, and unpronounceable ingredients are packed into something as simple as bread. Calcium propionate, DATEM, azodicarbonamide, mono- and diglycerides—do we really need all of this in our food?

When you make bread at home, you control exactly what goes into it. My first homemade loaf contained three ingredients. Compare that to a processed grocery store loaf, which can have over 20 ingredients, many of which serve only to extend shelf life or improve texture.

Homemade bread is made with real, whole ingredients—nothing more, nothing less.

Ingredients I used:

Flour: https://amzn.to/3QLFLpF

Yeast: https://amzn.to/3Dkbtr2

Kosher Salt: https://amzn.to/4i69gOV

2. Easier on Digestion and Gut Health

Many people experience bloating or digestive discomfort after eating store-bought bread, often due to preservatives, dough conditioners, and bleached flours. Homemade bread, especially if you experiment with whole grains or long-fermentation methods like sourdough, can be much easier on the gut.

Plus, without all the additives and processed oils, your body can recognize and properly digest what you're eating, rather than struggling to process synthetic chemicals.

3. Cost-Effective and Budget-Friendly

With grocery prices skyrocketing, it’s shocking how much we pay for a “good” loaf of bread. I used to grab those artisan-style loaves from the deli section—you know, the ones that cost anywhere from $5 to $8 per loaf. But when I made my first homemade loaf for under $2, I realized just how much money I could save.

Investing in a bread maker means I can have fresh, homemade bread anytime, for a fraction of the cost.

4. Tastes Better—Period.

I won’t lie—I was skeptical. I thought, How much better can homemade bread actually taste?

The answer? A thousand times better. I couldn't wait for avocado toast!

There’s something about the freshness, the soft texture, the slight chew of a perfectly baked crust that store-bought bread just can’t replicate. Plus, when you make your own bread, you can customize the flavor—add a pinch of sea salt, use different flours, toss in some fresh herbs or garlic. The possibilities are endless.

Final Thoughts: Making the Switch to Homemade Bread

Making my own bread has been an easy and rewarding transition to cleaner, more mindful eating. It’s a simple switch that makes a huge impact—on health, budget, and overall well-being.

If you’ve been thinking about making your own bread, just go for it. Start with a simple recipe, get a feel for the process, and soon, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought bread again.

Here’s to healthier, tastier, and toxin-free choices—one loaf at a time. 🍞✨ Next up - SOURDOUGH!

Have you made homemade bread before? What’s your favorite recipe? Let me know in the comments!