There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen.

This Golden Sesame Bread Loaf is soft, airy, and perfectly balanced with a subtle crunch from the toasted sesame seeds on top. It’s the kind of bread that turns a simple meal into a comforting, homemade experience.

Whether you enjoy it warm with a drizzle of olive oil, as the base for your favorite sandwiches, or simply on its own with a little butter, this bread will become your new go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Bread

• Easy to make – No complicated techniques or special equipment required.
• Soft and fluffy – Thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients and proper kneading.
• Beautifully golden – Sesame seeds add texture, flavor, and that irresistible bakery look.
• Versatile – Serve it with soups, salads, or your favorite Greek meze platter.

Crockery & ingredients love using—find them all here: My Mediterranean Greek Pantry

500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra fluffiness)

7 g (1 packet) instant dry yeast

1 tsp sugar

1 ½ tsp salt

300 ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water (about 40°C / 105°F)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

2 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions

Activate the yeast (if using active dry yeast)

In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.(If using instant yeast, you can skip this step and mix it directly with flour.)

Make the doughIn a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

Add yeast mixture (or water + yeast if using instant), and olive oil.Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic.If sticky, add a little more flour (but keep it soft for a fluffy result).

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.

Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Brush the loaf with beaten egg for a glossy finish.Sprinkle sesame seeds generously on top.

Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips

For extra softness, add 1 tbsp milk powder to the flour.

For a slightly richer taste, substitute half the water with warm milk.

Store in an airtight bag or wrap in a kitchen towel to keep it soft.