Gather flour, water, yeast, salt, and optional sugar or oil
Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar if using
Let the yeast activate until foamy
Add flour and salt
Mix until a rough dough forms
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic
Place the dough in a greased bowl
Cover and let it rise until doubled in size
Punch down the dough
Shape the dough into a loaf or rolls
Place the dough in a baking pan or on a baking sheet
Cover and let it rise again until puffy
Preheat the oven
Bake until golden brown and cooked through
Remove from the oven
Let the bread cool before slicing