Basic Homemade Bread

Ingredients

• 1/4 oz active dry yeast (one single-use packet)
• 2 1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 3 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 2 Tbsp canola oil
• 6 1/4 – 6 3/4 cups bread flour

Method

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in warm water, then let stand until bubbles form on surface.
2. Whisk together remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, salt, and 3 cups flour.
3. Stir oil into yeast mixture, then pour into flour mixture and whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in enough remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface, then knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes.
6. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
7. Punch dough down, then turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half (or as required, see notes).
8. Shape each into a loaf, then place in 2, greased, 9×5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
9. Bake at 375° until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped, or has reached an internal temperature of 200° — 30-35 minutes.
10. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.