Description
This basic bread recipe creates a delicious loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or toasting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with bread flour)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (can use instant yeast (2 teaspoons))
- 2 tablespoons sugar (can be replaced with honey or maple syrup)
- 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt (do not use regular table salt)
- 1¾ cups warm water (about 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (can substitute with melted butter or neutral oil)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of flaky sea salt. Gradually add 1¾ cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry mixture. Stir until dough begins to form, then mix until fully combined, creating a shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough gently to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place seam-side down into a greased baking pan.
- Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until it becomes puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Make shallow slashes or score the top of the loaf, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, then place in the oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Ensure your water is warm, around 110°F (43°C), to properly activate the yeast.
- Bread flour can provide a chewier texture if preferred.
- Use flaky sea salt for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg