Easy Homemade Bread

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine the warm water with the sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice it becoming frothy, which indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

2. Make the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients, followed by the olive oil. Stir the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or spatula until they form a rough dough.

3. Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by pushing it forward with the palms of your hands, then folding it back over itself and repeating. Continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.

4. First Rise:

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shape the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges in towards the center and rolling it up tightly. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.

6. Second Rise:

Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.

7. Preheat the Oven:

While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

8. Bake the Bread:

Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature of the bread should reach 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.

9. Cool and Enjoy:

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. While the bread is best enjoyed fresh, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success:

• Warm Water: Ensure that the water you use to activate the yeast is warm (around 110°F/45°C), not too hot or too cold. Too hot water can kill the yeast, while too cold water will prevent it from activating properly.
• Kneading: Kneading the dough is an important step in developing the gluten that gives the bread its structure. If you don’t have a stand mixer with a dough hook, kneading by hand is a great way to get a feel for the dough. It should be smooth and elastic when it’s ready.
• Rising: The first rise is crucial for developing the texture of the bread. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl in a warm spot, like near a turned-off oven or on top of the refrigerator.
• Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with adding herbs, cheese, or even garlic to the dough for extra flavor. Just fold these ingredients in when you shape the dough.
• Storage: If you want to store your bread for longer, you can freeze it. Slice the loaf, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw the slices and toast them for a fresh, warm snack.

Why This Easy Homemade Bread is a Game-Changer:

Making your own bread at home is not only rewarding, but it’s also a way to enjoy fresh, preservative-free bread anytime you want. Easy Homemade Bread is versatile, customizable, and most importantly—delicious. Whether you’re baking it for sandwiches, serving it as a side with soup, or simply spreading some butter on a warm slice, this bread will make any meal special.

This recipe is the perfect introduction to bread-baking, and with just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying the taste of homemade bread in no time. Once you try this easy homemade bread, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought loaves again!