Homemade Bread Recipe

Homemade Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
   • Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
3. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough:
   • Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into equal portions and shape them into loaves or rolls, as shown in the image.
5. Second Rise:
   • Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake the Bread:
   • Use a sharp knife to make a slit on top of each loaf, as shown in the image. This helps the bread expand during baking.
   • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade bread!