Using a machine to mix and knead dough makes light work of making bread and saves time, especially when mixing dough for several loaves. A heavy-duty tabletop mixer fitted with a dough hook is ideal.
Sift flour and salt. Put three-quarters of the flour in the mixer bowl. Fit the beater and switch on the machine. Add prepared yeast and remaining warm water.
Turn off the machine and replace the beater with the dough hook. Add the remaining flour a little at a time, working the machine until a dough forms.
Continue until the dough comes away from the side of the bowl and forms a ball around the hook. Remove the hook and dough from mixer. Ease the dough off the hook, leaving it as clean as possible, and knead on a floured surface, 2-3 minutes. Shape into a smooth ball.