Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Adding Warm Water
Slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
Step 3: Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by pushing it away from you with the heel of your hand. Fold the dough over and repeat the process for about 10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl and place the kneaded dough into it. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Punching Down the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down with your fist to release any air bubbles that may have formed. This step helps to redistribute the yeast and create a uniform texture.
Step 6: Shaping the Dough
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and shape it into the desired form. You can shape it into a loaf for sandwich bread, round for artisan bread, or even experiment with different shapes.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased bread pan. Cover it with a kitchen towel and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it visibly increases in size.
Step 8: Preheating the Oven
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready when the dough is fully risen.
Step 9: Baking
Once the dough has completed its second rise, it’s time to bake. Place the baking sheet or bread pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown. You can check if the bread is done by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow.
Step 10: Cooling and Enjoying
Remove the baked bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This step allows the bread to set and finish cooking inside. Slice the bread, spread some butter, and enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavor of your homemade bread!
Now that you know the step-by-step process for making bread dough, you have the power to create delicious bread at home. Experiment with different flours, add toppings, or mix in herbs to customize your bread. With practice and a little creativity, you’ll be an expert bread maker in no time!