Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Cover the loaf pan with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes until it puffs up.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baking bread can seem intimidating, but with this easy recipe, you'll find that it's quite straightforward.

One important tip to keep in mind is to verify your yeast is fresh and active; expired yeast can lead to a flat loaf.

Also, feel free to experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or bread flour, to create variations in flavor and texture.