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Crusty White Bread

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2½ teaspoons 1 packet dry active yeast (not rapid-rise—see notes for Rapid Rise instructions)
  • 2½ cups 312g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Measuring cups – For measuring the water, flour, and other ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons – To measure the sugar, salt, and yeast.
  • Mixing bowls – A medium-sized bowl for mixing the dry ingredients and a larger bowl for combining the wet and dry ingredients.
  • Whisk – For mixing the dry ingredients (flour and salt).
  • Loaf pan – For baking the bread, prepared with nonstick spray.
  • Sharp knife – To make slashes on top of the dough before baking.Oven – To bake the bread at 350°F.I
  • Cooling rack – To let the bread cool completely before slicing.

Method
 

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a measuring cup, mix the sugar and yeast into 1 cup of lukewarm water. Stir until dissolved and set aside.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully combined.
  4. Knead the Dough: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of flour onto a clean surface. Transfer the dough and knead it for a few minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  5. Store the Dough: Drizzle olive oil inside a sealable plastic bag. Place the dough in the bag, ensuring it’s coated with oil. Seal the bag and refrigerate the dough overnight. This dough can be stored in the fridge for several days.
  6. Prepare to Bake: When ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge. Leave it in the sealed bag and allow it to come to room temperature for about an hour.
  7. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Lightly spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray.
  8. Shape the Dough: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of flour onto your work surface. Take the dough out of the bag, and knead and fold it for about 1 minute. Shape the dough into a log that fits the loaf pan.
  9. Let it Rise: Cover the pan with a plastic bag and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 2 hours.
  10. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  11. Slash and Bake: Once the dough has risen, remove the plastic bag and use a sharp knife to make a few slashes on top of the dough. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 190-210°F.
  12. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!