Ingredients
- For the bread:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough comes together. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First Rise:
- Lightly grease a large bowl with butter. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
- Shape the Loaf:
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To shape, flatten the dough into a rectangle, then roll it up tightly from one long side to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise until doubled, about 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
- Bake:
- Once the dough has risen, bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it fresh! It’s great for sandwiches, toast, or simply with butter.
Tips
- Flavor Variations: You can add herbs, cheese, or garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- For a Crunchy Crust: Place a small pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
Enjoy your homemade bread! Let me know if you have any questions or need further recipes!