Easy Homemade Bread
Prep time: 15 mins (+1.5 hours rising) | Bake time: 35–40 mins | Yield: 1 Large Loaf
Ingredients
-
500 g (4 cups) flour, plus extra for dusting
-
375 ml (1 ½ cups) warm water
-
7 g (2 ¼ tsp) dry yeast
-
½ tbsp (7 g) sugar
-
1 tsp (6 g) salt
-
2 tbsp (30 ml) sunflower oil
Instructions
-
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix 50 ml of the warm water with the sugar and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
-
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt together. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, the remaining warm water, and the sunflower oil.
-
Knead: Mix by hand or with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
-
Shape: Punch the dough down to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it into a greased baking tin or a Dutch oven lined with parchment paper.
-
Second Rise: Cover and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife to score a “cross” or several slashes on the top of the loaf.
-
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
-
Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.