“I’m going to make this every time we’re having soup. So good fresh out of the oven!”

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the olive oil (if using). Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle with a bit more flour until you get the right consistency.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a lightly oiled 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. While it’s rising, you can get your soup ready, so everything will be fresh and ready to serve at the same time.

Step 5: Shape and Preheat

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a well-greased pan. Cover it again and let it rest for 20 minutes.

While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Once the dough has rested, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread should turn a golden brown on top and make a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom. If you want a slightly crisper crust, you can spray a little water inside the oven during the first few minutes of baking to create steam.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will give the loaf time to set and make slicing easier.

Slice the bread and serve it alongside your favorite soup for the ultimate cozy meal!

Why This Bread Is Perfect with Soup:

1. Dunkability: The soft, pillowy inside of the bread soaks up soup like a dream. Whether you’re dipping it into a creamy bisque or a hearty stew, it holds up perfectly without falling apart.
2. Balance of Flavors: The slight crisp on the outside combined with the tender inside offers a wonderful contrast to the smooth, comforting texture of soups.
3. Freshness: Nothing compares to the taste and texture of freshly baked bread. It adds a homemade, comforting touch to any meal and takes your soup experience to the next level.
4. Versatility: This bread can complement any type of soup—whether it’s a creamy tomato soup, a spicy chili, a vegetable-based broth, or a savory chicken noodle. You can even customize the bread by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Soup Companion

Once you try this fresh, savory bread alongside your next bowl of soup, you’ll be hooked. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the results are nothing short of amazing. The crispy crust and soft interior are a perfect match for any soup, making it the ideal side for every mealtime.

With just a few simple ingredients, this bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen—especially on soup nights. It’s so good fresh out of the oven, you’ll want to make it every time you serve soup! Plus, the whole family will love the aroma filling the house as it bakes.

Next time you’re preparing a hearty bowl of soup, don’t forget to make this bread. It’s the ultimate comfort food duo, and one bite will have you agreeing: there’s nothing better than soup with fresh bread!