No-Fail Homemade Bread

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No-Fail Homemade Bread (Soft & Fluffy)

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (10 g) dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1⅓ cups (320 ml) warm water (not hot)
  • 4¾ cups (570 g) plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional – helps activate yeast)

Instructions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

  • In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar (if using)
  • Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy

2️⃣ Make the Dough

  • Add olive oil and salt
  • Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms

3️⃣ Knead

  • Knead on a floured surface 8–10 minutes
    (or 5 minutes with a mixer)
  • Dough should be smooth and elastic

4️⃣ First Rise

  • Place dough in an oiled bowl
  • Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled

5️⃣ Shape

  • Punch down dough
  • Shape into a loaf or rolls
  • Place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking tray

6️⃣ Second Rise

  • Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes

7️⃣ Bake

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
  • Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown
  • Bread should sound hollow when tapped

8️⃣ Cool

  • Remove from pan
  • Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing

🌟 Tips for Perfect Bread

  • For a softer crust: brush with butter after baking
  • For crunch: place a small bowl of water in the oven
  • Store wrapped at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze

🍽 Variations

  • Whole wheat: Replace 1½ cups flour with whole wheat flour
  • Garlic herb bread: Add garlic powder & dried herbs
  • Dinner rolls: Shape into balls and bake 18–20 minutes

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