Foolproof Homemade Bread

🍞 Foolproof Homemade Bread
🧾 Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (not hot, about 40–45°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast
   In a bowl, mix warm water + sugar + yeast
   Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy
   👉 If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be dead—start over
2. Make the dough
   Add salt, oil, and flour gradually
   Mix until a soft dough forms
3. Knead
   Knead for about 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer)
   Dough should be smooth and slightly elastic
4. First rise
   Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl
   Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours
   It should double in size
5. Shape
   Punch down the dough
   Shape into a loaf or round ball
   Place in a greased pan or on a baking tray
6. Second rise
   Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes
7. Bake
   Preheat oven to 180°C
   Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown
   🧈 Serve:
   Let cool slightly (if you can wait 😄)
   Slice and spread with butter while warm
   💡 Tips:
   Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, it’s done
   Add garlic, herbs, or cheese for variations
   Store in a towel or airtight bag to keep soft