Gather flour, water, yeast, salt, and optional sugar or fat
Mix warm water with yeast and optional sugar
Let the yeast activate until foamy
Combine flour and salt in a bowl
Add the yeast mixture to the flour
Mix until a shaggy dough forms
Add a little more flour or water if needed
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl
Cover the bowl
Let the dough rise until doubled in size
Punch down the dough
Shape the dough as needed
Let it rise again if required
Bake according to your bread recipe