Classic homemade bread
★Ingredients
2 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon salt
6 1/2 cups bread flour
★Instructions
Activate Yeast*
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix Dough*
Add the sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Beat until smooth.
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should come together and be slightly sticky.
Knead Dough*
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First Rise*
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Shape Loaves*
Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place in two greased 9×5 inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
Bake*
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Cool*
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove from pans and place on a wire rack to cool completely.