Soft Homemade Bread Dough Simple recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for soft homemade bread dough that’s easy to follow!

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active!

2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.

3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much — you want the dough to stay soft.

4. Let it rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning the dough once to coat it. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf or divide it into rolls, depending on what you’re making.

6. Second rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet for rolls. Cover with the towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, bake the loaf for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If making rolls, they might take around 15-18 minutes.

8. Cool and enjoy: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy it warm with butter or as a base for sandwiches!

This bread will be soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade creation!