No-Fail Homemade Bread

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 hoursuntil 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