About the Recipe
The art of bread-making comes to life in your kitchen, where flour transforms into a soft, elastic dough ready to be baked into golden loaves or rolls. This basic bread dough recipe is your gateway to the world of homemade bread, offering versatility, simplicity, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.
The journey begins with a few key ingredients—a blend of all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, salt, warm water, and olive oil for added flavor and moisture. These simple pantry staples come together to form the foundation of your bread dough.
The magic unfolds in a large mixing bowl as warm water meets the active dry yeast and a touch of sugar (if desired). This combination activates the yeast, causing it to bloom and create tiny bubbles, indicating that it's ready to work its leavening magic in the dough.
Once the yeast mixture is frothy and alive with activity, salt and olive oil (if using) join the mix, enhancing the flavor and texture of the bread dough. Gradually, the all-purpose flour is incorporated into the wet ingredients, transforming the mixture into a soft and slightly sticky dough.
With gentle kneading on a floured surface, the dough comes to life—smooth, elastic, and responsive to your touch. Kneading is not just a physical process but a sensory experience, as you feel the dough transform under your hands, becoming more cohesive and resilient with each fold and turn.
As the dough is shaped into a ball and placed in a greased bowl, it embarks on a journey of transformation. Covered and left to rise in a warm, cozy environment, the yeast works its magic, causing the dough to double in size and develop its characteristic airy texture.
Once risen, the dough is ready to be shaped into loaves, rolls, or used as a base for pizza crust—a testament to its versatility. Whether you prefer the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread loaves or the simplicity of rustic rolls, this dough can be molded to suit your culinary desires.
As the bread bakes in a hot oven, your kitchen is filled with the irresistible scent of warm bread, promising a feast for the senses. The final result is a golden masterpiece—crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, with a delightful aroma that beckons you to indulge.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a smear of butter or used as a canvas for your favorite sandwich fillings, this basic bread dough recipe is a celebration of homemade goodness. It invites you to explore the world of bread-making, offering endless possibilities for creativity and culinary joy. Embark on your bread-making adventure and savor the simple pleasures of freshly baked bread made with love and care.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour (you can also use bread flour for a chewier texture)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, helps activate the yeast)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, adds flavor and moisture to the dough)
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar (if using). Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Add the salt and olive oil (if using) to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment if using a stand mixer.
Continue adding flour until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. You may not need to use the full 4 cups of flour, so adjust as needed. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be slightly tacky to the touch.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back towards you and repeat. Add a little flour if the dough sticks too much, but avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the bread dense.
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air bubbles. You can now shape the dough into loaves, rolls, or use it for pizza crust, depending on your preference.
For bread loaves or rolls, place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet or into greased loaf pans. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30-60 minutes, or until they have doubled in size once more.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for bread loaves or rolls, or according to your specific recipe instructions if making pizza dough.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
This basic bread dough recipe is versatile and can be customized with additional ingredients like herbs, spices, or seeds for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your freshly baked bread in sandwiches, as a side with soups and stews, or slathered with butter for a comforting treat.
You have created us for Yourself, and our hearts
cannot be stilled until it finds rest in You. St. Augustine.