Bake Simple Bread

Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Oven
• Wire rack

Materials

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil

Safety

• Wash your hands and use clean bowls, tools, and surfaces before starting.
• Use warm water, not hot water, so you do not kill the yeast or burn yourself.
• Keep fingers clear when placing bread into or removing bread from the hot oven.
• Use oven mitts when handling the loaf pan, baking sheet, or oven rack.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to avoid burns and improve texture.

Steps

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast

   • Pour the warm water into a large mixing bowl.
   • Add the sugar and yeast, then stir lightly.
   • Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it looks foamy.

   Check: The mixture should look bubbly or foamy on top. · If nothing happens after 10 minutes, the yeast may be inactive and should be replaced.

2. Step 2: Mix the dough

   • Add the salt and oil to the yeast mixture.
   • Add the flour gradually, stirring as you go, until a soft dough forms.
   • If the dough is very sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

   Check: The dough should come together into one mass. · It should feel soft and slightly tacky, not wet and runny.

3. Step 3: Knead the dough

   • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
   • Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes by pushing, folding, and turning the dough.
   • Add only small amounts of flour if the dough sticks too much.

   Check: The dough should become smoother and more elastic. · If you press it lightly, it should spring back a bit.

4. Step 4: Let the dough rise

   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
   • Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

   Check: The dough should look puffed and about twice its original size. · If it has not risen much, give it more time in a slightly warmer spot.

5. Step 5: Shape the loaf

   • Punch down the dough gently to release excess air.
   • Shape it into a loaf.
   • Place it in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet.

   Check: The dough should hold its shape without spreading too much. · The surface should look fairly smooth.

6. Step 6: Let it rise again

   • Cover the shaped dough loosely.
   • Let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
   • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   Check: The dough should look fuller and slightly expanded. · The oven should be fully preheated before baking.

7. Step 7: Bake the bread

   • Place the loaf in the oven carefully.
   • Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
   • Remove the bread and cool it on a wire rack.

   Check: The crust should be golden brown. · The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. · The bread should cool at least 20 to 30 minutes before slicing.