Basic White Bread Recipe

Basic White Bread Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 1 loaf

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 package active dry yeast (21/4 teaspoons)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour

Method

1. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the water with the yeast and stir until dissolved
2. Add the remaining 1 cup water, olive oil, sugar, salt and 2 cups of the flour
3. Mix well
4. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes
6. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat the top
7. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean dishtowel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes
8. Test dough by poking it with your finger
9. Its ready if the indentation from your finger remains
10. Lightly oil a 9-inch loaf pan and set aside
11. Punch the dough down and turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface
12. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan
13. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes
14. Preheat the oven to 400°F
15. Uncover the dough and use a sharp knife to make 3 diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf
16. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes
17. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing

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