A delightful Italian-style bread recipe that yields a soft and fluffy interior with a golden crust.
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Add the sugar, salt, and half of the flour to the bowl. Mix until combined.
Mixing the ingredients gradually helps achieve a smooth dough.
Gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough until it becomes soft and elastic.
If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
A warm, draft-free area is ideal for the dough to rise.
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a greased baking sheet.
Shaping the dough evenly ensures uniform baking.
Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise again until doubled in size.
The second rise helps develop the bread's texture.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Make shallow slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
The slashes allow the bread to expand evenly while baking.
Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Brushing with olive oil gives the crust a beautiful sheen.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cooling the bread prevents it from becoming gummy when sliced.
Slice and serve the bread warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Serve with butter or olive oil for a delightful experience.