| Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp instant yeast
1½ cups warm water
1 tbsp oil (optional, for a softer loaf)

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
Pour in the warm water and stir with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. No kneading needed.
Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Lightly flour a surface and gently shape the dough into a loaf or round ball.
Place the dough into a greased loaf pan or onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Cover again and let it rest for 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 220°C (425°F).
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Let cool before slicing.

Optional Add-Ins

Garlic powder
Dried herbs
Sesame or sunflower seeds
Shredded cheese
Whole wheat flour (replace up to half the flour)

Tips

If you don’t have instant yeast, use active dry yeast and dissolve it in the warm water first.
For a crispier crust, place a small pan of hot water in the oven while baking.
Store covered at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze slices for later.