Homemade Bread: The Magic of a Crispy Crust and Tender Crumb

Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir to dissolve. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding a little flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, or place it into a greased loaf pan for a traditional shape.

Second Rise: Let the shaped dough rest for another 30-40 minutes, covered, to allow it to rise again.

Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). If desired, lightly score the top of the dough with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the warm, fresh bread with your favorite toppings or as a side to any meal.

Serving and Storage Tips:

 Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.