Bread Recipe (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
5½ – 6½ cups bread flour.
02 -
¼ cup sugar plus 1 pinch.
03 -
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet).
04 -
2¼ cups warm water.
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1 tablespoon salt.
06 -
2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
07 -
Optional: butter for topping.
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, mix warm water and a pinch of sugar into dissolved yeast until bubbly and foamy.
02 -
Stir in the sugar, salt, oil, and 4 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
03 -
Gradually add the remaining flour (½ cup at a time) until a soft, smooth dough forms, lightly sticky but not overly so. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes then shape into a ball.
04 -
Put the dough in an oiled bowl, coat it with oil, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise for an hour until it doubles in size.
05 -
After rising, gently punch down the dough and divide it in half. Roll each half into an 8-inch wide rectangle.
06 -
Roll the dough tightly from the short edge to create a cylinder, then repeat with the other half.
07 -
Place the cylinders seam-side down in greased bread pans and cover with plastic wrap. Allow them to rise for another hour until they are ½ - 1 inch above the pan's edge.
08 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Optionally brush with melted butter before removing to cool on a rack before slicing.
# Notes:
01 -
This recipe is perfect for making soft bread at home.
02 -
You can customize it by adding herbs or garlic for extra flavor.
03 -
Letting the dough rise properly is key to achieving a light texture.