Name: Simple White Cob Loaf
Prep time: 180 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 210 min
Ingredients: 480 g strong white flour; 7 g instant dry yeast; 9 g salt; 290 ml water (tepid/lukewarm); 20 g butter (softened/room temperature)

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This white cob loaf is made with simple ingredients and no tin is required as it is shaped by hand. A great first bread recipe for beginners!

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I wanted to start my bread recipe posts with something simple and unintimidating. I say this from experience as a simple white cob loaf was the first bread I attempted when I started baking!

It felt amazing seeing this big, round loaf and knowing I somehow made it! So rest assured, if you are new to bread making this is the perfect beginner’s loaf.

Although it seems like a long-winded process, each stage doesn’t actually take that long. The longest part is waiting for the dough to prove! I find this is a great bake for when I’m home all day and can come back to it in-between doing other things.

Easy cob loaf recipe with simple ingredients

The ingredients for this white cob recipe are so simple and most you should have already. Strong white flour (best for bread), instant yeast, salt, water and some butter. Isn’t it amazing how these few ingredients create this lovely round loaf?

During my recipe testing process, I did try replacing some water with milk. Using milk instead of water in bread making can result in a softer loaf. However (as I found out) it also gives a darker crust so should be baked at a lower temperature…

How to make a cob loaf

I decided that as my goal here was to make a simple, approachable cob recipe, I’d stick with just water.

As you can see from the above picture, my first attempt also didn’t have the classic tall, round cob appearance that I wanted. I later found out that this is because I didn’t shape the loaf properly after the first prove. The ball needs to have a firm ‘skin’ to maintain it’s round structure. If not, your dough will sink and spread out when proving.

I found a great tutorial on this by Bake With Jack where I learned how to shape my cob better, resulting in a taller, domed loaf!

What is the texture like inside a white cob loaf?

This cob has a close crumb but is still nice and light in texture. It is firm enough to slice easily and has a lovely crunchy crust! My test loaves have been used for sandwiches and dipped in casserole and soup.

Did I mention how amazing it is to smell fresh bread baking in your own kitchen?

(For bread with a different texture that doesn’t contain yeast, check out my Bacon, Cheese and Spring Onion Soda Bread and my Classic Irish Soda Bread. No kneading or proving is required for these recipes so they can be made in under an hour!)

close of of slice of bread being buttered

Easy homemade cob loaf recipe

If you’re a new baker or inexperienced in bread making, please have a go as you’ll be so glad you did! It is so satisfying making your own loaf and I’ll talk you through all of the steps with some photos below to help!

Once you’ve tried this simple white cob loaf, why not try my tin loaf version or my delicious Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia!

If you try this recipe I’d love to see! You can show me by tagging me @bakerjoblog or using #bakerjoblog!

Other bread recipes to try: