Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- Warm the water: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups (420g) of flour and the salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the yeast mixture and the melted butter into the flour mixture.
- Mix: Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should start to pull away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands or the surface, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.
- Check for readiness: The dough is ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, but not sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
- Grease the bowl: Lightly grease a large bowl with the vegetable oil.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the gases.
- Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can form it into a free-form loaf or place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan for a more traditional shape.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Cover and rise: Cover the shaped dough with the kitchen towel again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Once the dough has risen, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 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 a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Serve
- Slice and enjoy: Once the bread has cooled, slice it and enjoy it with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Tips and Variations
- Add-ins: You can mix in ingredients like seeds, nuts, or dried fruit to add flavor and texture to your bread.
- Whole wheat option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Herb bread: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite dried herbs for a savory twist.
Conclusion
Making bread from scratch is a fulfilling experience that results in a delicious, homemade loaf. The process is simple but requires patience, and the reward is a warm, fresh loaf that you’ll be proud to serve and enjoy.
Happy baking!