How to Bake a Basic Loaf of Bread

1. 1

   Mix & Knead Dough

   15 min

   Combine flour, water, yeast, and salt, then knead until smooth and elastic.

2. 2

   First Rise

   1.5 hr

   Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.

3. 3

   Shape Loaf

   10 min

   Gently punch down the dough, then shape it into your desired loaf form.

4. 4

   Second Rise

   45 min

   Place shaped dough in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise until puffy.

5. 5

   Bake Bread

   30 min

   Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

6. 6

   Cool Completely

   1 hr

   Remove bread from the pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.