Preparation
Ready to whip up your own fresh, warm bread in under 20 minutes? Follow these easy steps:
STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) . Place a baking sheet or cast iron skillet in the oven to heat up while you prepare the dough.
STEP 2: MAKE THE DOUGH
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1–2 minutes, just until smooth. Avoid overworking the dough—it doesn’t need to be perfect!
STEP 3: SHAPE THE BREAD
Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. If desired, sprinkle the top with seeds, herbs, or cheese for added flavor and texture.
Use a sharp knife or razor blade to make a shallow slash across the top of the loaf. This helps the bread expand evenly during baking.
STEP 4: BAKE THE BREAD
Carefully transfer the shaped dough onto the preheated baking sheet or skillet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes , or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
STEP 5: COOL AND ENJOY
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Slice and serve warm with butter, olive oil, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy the aroma and flavor of freshly baked bread!
