The Easiest Homemade Bread Ever

Instructions

1. Combine the dry ingredients.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk briefly to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Add the wet ingredients.
   Add the warm water, chopped rosemary, and minced garlic. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. There’s no need for extensive kneading; simply make sure all the flour is hydrated and no dry streaks remain.

3. Add the olive oil.
   Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the dough and mix briefly until just incorporated. This adds flavor and helps improve the dough’s texture.

4. Let the dough rise.
   Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot and let the dough rise for 2 to 3 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size and is bubbly on the surface. The longer it rises, the more flavor it will develop.

5. Shape the dough.
   Once the first rise is complete, gently scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Avoid deflating it too much.

   With lightly floured hands, gently fold the edges of the dough toward the center a few times to create a somewhat round or oval shape. You don’t need to be precise—the goal is to create a rustic loaf.