Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until it puffs up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the top of the risen dough with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- Serve your freshly baked, fluffy bread with your favorite toppings or enjoy it plain. Enjoy!