Gather 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 1/2 cups warm water, and 2 tablespoons butter or oil
Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl
Let the yeast sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy
Add salt, butter or oil, and 3 cups of flour
Stir until combined
Add the remaining flour gradually until a soft dough forms
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes
Place the dough in a greased bowl
Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours
Punch down the dough
Shape the dough into a loaf
Place it in a greased loaf pan
Cover and let it rise again until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes
Preheat the oven to 375°F
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown
Remove the bread from the pan and cool on a rack before slicing