Easy Homemade Bread

Easy Homemade Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional for a richer flavor)

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. This means the yeast is active.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Add the yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until a sticky dough forms. If using olive oil or butter, mix it in now.

Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time).

First Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

• Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.

Second Rise:

• Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it’s doubled in size.

Bake the Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool:

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.