House-made Bread Recipe

Bread Preparation

1. 1

   Activate Yeast

   In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C) with sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.

2. 2

   Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until well combined.

3. 3

   Combine Ingredients

   Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

4. 4

   Knead the Dough

   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

5. 5

   First Rise

   Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

6. 6

   Shape the Dough

   Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls.

7. 7

   Second Rise

   Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a loaf pan. Cover with a cloth and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.

8. 8

   Preheat Oven

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

9. 9

   Bake the Bread

   Once the dough has risen again, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

10. 10

    Cool and Serve

    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with extra virgin olive oil for dipping.