Quick and Easy Bagged Bread

1.In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of white sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of fast-rising instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.

2.Add 1 1/2 cups of warm water to the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together and forms a shaggy mass.

3.Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, adding a little flour for kneading as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4.Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl (using cooking oil or spray). Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

5.After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Remove the dough from the bowl and shape it into a loaf.

6.Grease a loaf pan with cooking oil or spray. Place the shaped dough into the greased pan, cover it again with the kitchen towel, and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until it has risen above the edges of the pan.

7.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8.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.