A detailed guide to baking the perfect loaf of bread with step-by-step instructions.

Scale

Tip the flour into a large mixing bowl and then add the salt and yeast, making sure they are placed on opposite sides of the bowl.
Add the butter and ¾ of the water, turning the mixture around using your fingers.
Slowly add more water until all the flour has been incorporated. When the dough is soft and not soggy it is ready.
Move the mixture around the bowl to clean the sides until the mixture forms a rough dough.
Cover your work surface with a little oil and then begin to knead the dough for 5 – 10 minutes until it feels silky.
Put the dough into a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover with a tea towel. Let it rise until it has doubled in size, about 1 to 3 hours.
Line a baking tray with baking parchment or silicone paper.
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball, then flatten it into a rectangle and roll it into an oblong.
Shape the dough into a smooth domed cob by tucking the sides underneath.
Place the dough on your baking tray and cover it with a clean plastic bag to prove for about 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 230°C and place a roasting tray in the bottom to heat up.
Dust your dough with flour and slash it deeply with a knife.
Add hot water to the hot roasting tray to create steam, then bake the bread for 30 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped.
Leave your cob to cool on a wire rack.

Keywords: loaf of bread, baking bread, homemade bread