This soft homemade bread dough recipe is my not so secret weapon in the kitchen. As a chef who thrives on simplicity and soul warming results, this dough delivers every single time. It’s fluffy like a cloud, golden on the outside, tender on the inside and yes, it smells just as dreamy as it tastes.
Ingredients
-
- 4 cups all purpose flour (500g)
- 2 teaspoons salt (10g)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (10g)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (7g)
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (355ml)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
Step by Step Instructions
1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
- Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
2: Make the Dough
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl.
- Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3: Knead to Smoothness
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
- Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is soft, stretchy, and smooth.
4: First Rise
-
- Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
5: Shape the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough to release air.
- Divide and shape into loaves or rolls as desired.
6: Second Rise
- Place the shaped dough on a parchment lined or greased baking tray.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
7: Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
“Warm bread, fresh from the oven, has the power to turn an ordinary day into something special.”
