This simple white bread recipe yields a soft and fluffy loaf with a crusty exterior, perfect for beginners venturing into bread making.
250g (8.8oz) strong white bread flour 5g (0.2oz) sea salt 3g (0.1oz) instant dry or active dry yeast or 9g (0.3oz) fresh yeast 155g (5.5oz) filtered water at around 25C (77F)
Step 1 - Preparation: Dissolve yeast in water and hydrate. Stir in salt until dissolved. Mix in all flour until incorporated.
Step 2 - Kneading: Knead the dough for 5 minutes to develop gluten, ensuring proper texture and structure.
Step 3 - Fermentation: Place the dough in a bowl, cover, and let it ferment for 30-45 minutes to allow the yeast to leaven the bread.
Step 4 - Baking: Preheat the oven to specified temperature. After the fermentation period, fold the dough, proof it again, then shape and cover it.