Start by combining 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F) with 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar in your mixing bowl. Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of unbleached flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. If you’re adding flavor, now’s the time to incorporate 1 teaspoon of garlic powder into the flour mixture.
Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add the flour and salt mixture to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until the dough begins to form. If you're using Parmesan cheese, fold it in at this stage.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Before placing the bread in the oven, brush the top lightly with olive oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Enjoy it warm, or store it for later.
