Easy white bread

Instructions

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1. 1 Mix the flour, salt and yeast together in a large bowl.
2. 2 Make a well in the middle, then add the oil and 1¼ cup water, and mix well. If the dough seems a little stiff, add another 1-2 tbsp water and mix well.
3. 3 Lightly dust a work surface with flour, tip out the dough and knead for about 10 mins.
4. 4 Once the dough is smooth, put it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Leave to rise for 1 hr until doubled in size, or refrigerate overnight.
5. 5 Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Knock back the dough (punch the air out and pull the dough in on itself) then gently shape the dough into a ball.
6. 6 Put it on the parchment and leave to rise for another hour, or until doubled in size. Heat the oven to 425F/gas 7.
7. 7 Dust the loaf with a little flour, then cut a 2in-long cross into the top of the loaf using a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Cool on a cooling rack.