A Unique, Soft, and Flavorful Homemade Bread Using Leftover Rice
📜 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ Uses leftover rice — great way to reduce food waste
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✅ No fancy equipment needed — just a bowl, spoon, and oven
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✅ Super soft crumb with a chewy texture
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✅ Easy to customize — add herbs, seeds, or cheese
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✅ Cheaper and fresher than store-bought bread
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked white rice (cooled) | 1 cup (about 200g) |
| Warm water (110°F / 43°C) | 1 cup |
| Active dry yeast | 2¼ tsp (1 packet) |
| Sugar or honey | 1 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3½ cups (plus more for kneading) |
| Salt | 1½ tsp |
| Olive oil (or any neutral oil) | 2 tbsp |
💡 You can use brown rice or jasmine rice too. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and soft.
🍞 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
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In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey.
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Sprinkle the yeast over the water. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
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If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be dead. Try again with fresh yeast.
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Step 2: Prepare the Dough
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
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Add in the cooked rice. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the rice evenly with the flour.
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Pour in the activated yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of oil.
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Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
🔥 TIP: If the dough feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
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Knead for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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The rice will get partially absorbed into the dough, giving it texture.
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If the rice sticks out, that’s totally fine — it adds character!
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Step 4: First Rise
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Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
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Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
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Once risen, punch down the dough to release air.
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Turn it out and gently shape it into a round boule or place it in a loaf pan.
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If you like, sprinkle the top with sesame seeds, oats, or extra rice for decoration.
Step 6: Second Rise
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Cover the shaped dough again and let it rest for 30–45 minutes for its second rise.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.
Step 7: Bake
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
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Optional: Brush the top with a little butter or olive oil while it’s still warm for a soft crust.
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Let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
🧊 Storage Tips
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Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a bread box for up to 3 days.
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Freeze slices in a zip-lock bag for up to 2 months. Just toast or warm them when needed.
📝 Recipe Variations
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🧀 Cheesy Rice Bread: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the dough.
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🌿 Herbed Version: Mix in 1 tsp dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
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🌾 Whole Wheat: Replace 1 cup of white flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
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🌶️ Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños and a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use uncooked rice?
A: No — the rice must be fully cooked and soft before being mixed into the dough.
Q: What if I don’t have yeast?
A: This recipe needs yeast to rise properly. However, you could experiment with baking powder and make flatbreads instead.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: You could try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix, but results may vary depending on the blend. Add xanthan gum for better structure.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Who knew leftover rice could become such a beautiful, golden loaf of bread? With its crisp crust and tender, slightly chewy interior, rice bread with yeast is a humble yet satisfying homemade recipe that delivers both comfort and nourishment.
Once you try this, you’ll start looking at that bowl of cooked rice in your fridge as the start of your next baking adventure. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly — another win for home bakers everywhere!
Let me know if you want a no-yeast flatbread version too!
