Golden crust, airy center, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
Quick Description
This homemade bread has a crisp golden crust with a soft, fluffy inside. Perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or serving with soups. No fancy tools needed.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 2–3 loaves
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1½–2 hours
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1½ cups warm water (not hot)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
For Dusting
- Extra flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate Yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make Dough
Add flour, salt, and oil.
Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead
Knead on a floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
5. Shape Loaves
Punch down dough.
Divide into 2–3 pieces.
Shape into long loaves and place on parchment-lined tray.
6. Second Rise
Cover loosely and rest 20–30 minutes.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Dust loaves lightly with flour and score tops with a knife.
Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
(For extra crust: place a small oven-safe bowl of water on lower rack)
Texture & Taste
- Crispy golden crust
- Soft airy crumb
- Light chew, bakery finish
Serving Ideas
- With butter or olive oil
- Sandwich bread
- Garlic bread
- Soup & stew side
Storage
- Room temp: 2 days
- Freeze up to 2 months
