- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
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- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
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- 1 tablespoon sugar
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- 1 teaspoon salt
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
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Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Make the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until it forms a sticky dough.
Knead the dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding the remaining ¼ cup flour as needed. The dough should be smooth and elastic, not too sticky.
First rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until it doubles in size.
Shape the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls as desired. Place the dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
Second rise:
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it puffs up.
Preheat the oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the bread:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For rolls, bake for about 20-25 minutes.
Cool:
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- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your fresh, homemade bread!