Homemade Bread – 1 kg Loaf

Ingredients

• 1 kg (8 cups) all-purpose or bread flour
• 650 ml (2 ¾ cups) warm water
• 20 g (2 tbsp) salt
• 20 g (2 tbsp) sugar
• 10 g (1 tbsp) instant dry yeast
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for softer crust)

---

Instructions

1. Activate yeast:
   In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make dough:
   In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture (and olive oil if using). Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead:
   Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise:
   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape:
   Punch down dough, shape into a loaf or two, and place on a greased or lined baking tray/pan.
6. Second rise:
   Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy.
7. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
   Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, bread is done.
8. Cool:
   Let bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.