Ingredients
- 1kg all-purpose flour
- 15g instant yeast
- 20g salt
- 30g sugar
- 700ml warm water (about 40°C)
- 50g unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Mix using a spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions for rolls, depending on your preference.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into greased loaf pans or on a baking sheet. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes, until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your fluffy homemade bread with butter, jam, or any spread of your choice! It’s perfect for sandwiches or just as a side to any meal.