Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (450g)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (9g)
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (8g)
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast (6g)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (100°F / 38°C) (300ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (14g) for brushing
  • Sesame seeds or oats for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
  2. Pour in warm water and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  5. Punch down the dough, turn it out onto a floured surface, and shape it into a loaf.
  6. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.
  7. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Optionally brush the top with melted butter, sprinkle with seeds. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Remove from oven, allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.