Everyone should have a Basic Bread recipe. This is a no-frills loaf for beginners that is easy and comes together in a matter of hours.
Mix white flour, 2 tsp salt, and a packet of yeast in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add olive oil.
Add the water a little bit at a time, stopping when the dough is a shaggy mass and then thoroughly mixing in the bowl until the dough becomes a cohesive ball.
Tip: If the dough seems a little stiff, add another 1-2 tbsp water. If it seems too wet, add in an additional 1-2 tbsp flour and continue to mix.
Tip the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for around 10 mins. There are many ways to knead bread, check out the video below to see how I do it.
When the dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Leave to rise for 1 hour until it has doubled in size or transfer it to the fridge to sit overnight.
Tip: The dough will be ready when you can poke it and it immediately springs back. If it does not spring back, keep kneading for a couple more minutes and test it again.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and when the dough has doubled in size, punch the air out by pressing your fist into the center of the bowl.
Shape the dough into a ball or long loaf and place it on the baking tray. Cover again and leave it to proof for another hour until it has doubled in size again.
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Meanwhile, dust the loaf with some extra flour and cut slits into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. This allows steam to release while baking.
Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown. Let the loaf rest at least an hour before cutting into it.
Servings 0