Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar or honey in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough to release air, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking tray. Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Optionally, brush the top with water or milk for a shiny crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Difficulty: Easy
Variations & Substitutions
- Whole Wheat Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Herb Bread: Add 1–2 tsp dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough.
- Garlic Bread: Mix 2–3 minced garlic cloves into the dough for a flavorful twist.
- Seeded Bread: Top with sesame, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds before baking for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
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