This recipe is a delightful journey into the world of artisan bread baking, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It shines for its simplicity and incredible flavor, allowing you to produce a warm, golden loaf that is perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply enjoying with butter.
Ingredients
Scale:
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Shape the dough into a round loaf or oval shape.
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely with a towel and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Just before baking, make several diagonal slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
