There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make homemade olive oil bread that’s soft, fluffy, and ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a dab of butter. This simple recipe requires no special equipment or skills—just some time for the dough to rise. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (10 g) dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups (320 ml) warm water (not hot)
- 4 3/4 cups (570 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
Preparation Time:
- Active time: 15 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: Start by mixing the warm water with the dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. The water should be warm to the touch but not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it begins to foam on top. This foaming is a sign that the yeast is active.
- Add Oil and Salt: Once the yeast is activated, add the olive oil and salt to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing as you go. You may use a wooden spoon or your hands. Continue adding flour until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this could make the bread dense.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth and elastic and no longer sticky to the touch.
- First Rise: Grease a large bowl with a little olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf or roll, depending on your preference.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the shaped dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow your homemade olive oil bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the taste and texture of fresh bread—perfectly golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil, spread with butter, or as the base for a delicious sandwich. Once you experience the joy of baking your own bread, you may never want to buy store-bought again. Enjoy every bite!