After This Recipe, You Will No Longer Buy Bread—You Will Make It Yourself at Home!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread. The aroma fills your kitchen, and there’s a unique sense of accomplishment that comes with pulling a fresh loaf from the oven. This simple bread recipe is perfect for beginners and will leave you wondering why you ever bought bread from the store!

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (10 g) dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups (320 ml) warm water
• 4 3/4 cups (570 g) plain flour

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help your bread rise.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

2. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix them together until they are well combined.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with the olive oil.

Step 3: Combine and Knead

4. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they start to come together into a dough.
5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

Step 4: Let It Rise

6. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
8. Transfer it back to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls, depending on your preference.

Step 6: Second Rise

9. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 8: Bake the Bread

11. Once the dough has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

12. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it fresh with your favorite spreads or as the base for a delicious sandwich!

Tips for Success

• Storage: Homemade bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding herbs, seeds, or cheese to the dough for added flavor!

Now that you have this simple recipe, you’ll never want to buy bread again. Enjoy the process, the aroma, and the delightful taste of your very own homemade bread! Happy baking!