Ingredients

1-1/3 cups warm water (105°F)
1 package (1/4-ounce) instant yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1- 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water (optional)

Supplies
Measuring Cups

Measuring Cups
9 Inch x 5 Inch Loaf Pan

9 Inch x 5 Inch Loaf Pan

Instructions

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- Stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar in large bowl. Let stand 5-10 minutes or until foamy. Add olive oil and salt. Gradually stir in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes.
- Spray large bowl with vegetable pan spray. Form dough into a ball, place into bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand in a warm place for 30-45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare 9 in. x 5 in. loaf pan with vegetable pan spray.
- Turn dough out of bowl and punch down. Form into a rectangle, about 8 in. x 12 in. Fold 3 in. of the short sides towards the middle and roll up the long sides as if for a cinnamon roll. Pinch long seam to seal. Place in prepared pan. Brush with beaten egg, if using. Let stand in a warm place 35-45 minutes or until almost doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F. Bake 35-38 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove to cooling grid.
- To prepare dough as focaccia bread: prepare up through step 2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil on a 10 in. x 15 in. rimmed cookie pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to a 10 in. x 15 in. rectangle and place on prepared pan. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and let rise 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F. Drizzle bread with 1 additional tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with any desired toppings, such as sea salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or thinly sliced onions. Dimple bread with fingers. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until deeply golden brown.
- To prepare dough as pizza dough: prepare dough up through step 2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Divide dough in half; dough will make 2 pizzas. Form each piece of dough into a ball and let stand 15 minutes for dough to relax. (If freezing dough for later, wrap dough ball well and freeze up to a month. Let thaw in the refrigerator and bring back to room temperature before using.) Roll dough into a 14 in. circle. Brush pizza pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil and transfer dough to pan. Prick dough with a fork. Brush dough with 1 tablespoon olive oil and bake 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and carefully add desired amount of sauce and toppings. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and crust edges are browned.

Notes

Using Yeast: Yeast serves as the leavening agent during fermentation. It consumes sugar, which creates carbon dioxide, allowing the dough to rise. Yeast is crucial for that light, airy bread we love.There are several different kinds of yeast. This recipe calls for instant yeast, which works much quicker than active dry yeast. However, you can swap active dry yeast for the instant yeast if that's all you have on hand- just expect it to take slightly longer to rise.
Mixing Dough: Dough may also be mixed using a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment.
How to Freeze: Freshly baked bread can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Make sure your bread has cooled completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can also slice your bread before freezing – that way you can just grab as many slices as you need without having to defrost the whole loaf.

How To

How to Make Homemade Bread from Scratch

If you want to learn how to make delicious homemade bread from scratch, without using some fancy bread machine, you've come to the right place. Going beyond Wilton's Easy Homemade Bread Recipe this guide includes helpful tips about baking a perfect loaf, as well as creative ways to turn your risen dough into delicious family dinners.

How to Freeze Cake and Other Baked Goods

Learn how to wrap, freeze and thaw cakes and other baked goods so you can enjoy them whenever you'd like!

Common Substitutes for Baking and Cooking

A comprehensive guide to common baking substitutes for ingredients such as baking powder, baking soda, spices, sugar and more.

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