Table Bread With Butter Recipe

Bread Preparation

1. 1

   Activate the Yeast

   In a small bowl, combine warm water (1.5 cups) with sugar (2 tbs). Sprinkle the active dry yeast (2 tsp) over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. 2

   Mix the Dry Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour (4 cups) and salt (2 tsp). Make a well in the center.

3. 3

   Combine Ingredients

   Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the well of the flour mixture. Add olive oil (2 tbs) and mix with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.

4. 4

   Knead the Dough

   Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

5. 5

   First Rise

   Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

6. 6

   Shape the Bread

   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased loaf pans.

7. 7

   Second Rise

   Cover the shaped loaves with a damp cloth and let them rise again for about 30-40 minutes until they have doubled in size.

8. 8

   Preheat Oven

   While the loaves are rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

9. 9

   Bake the Bread

   Once the loaves have risen, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

10. 10

    Cool and Serve

    Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with butter (1 stick) on the side.