Easy Homemade Bread 

Ingredients:

1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:

Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Second Rise:
Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Bread:
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade bread!