Step 1

In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the water, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add 1 cup of flour and mix with the dough hook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add an additional cup of flour and mix until well combined. Continue adding the flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft dough is formed. The dough should still stick to the bottom of of the bowl, but pull away from the sides. Let the dough mix for around 8 minutes total.

Step 3

When the dough has come together but is still sticking a bit to the bottom of the bowl, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. The dough should be very soft. Shape the dough into a ball and return it to the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for a half hour.

Step 4

After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a clean surface and divide it into Roll each piece of dough into a long skinny loaf that is about 9 to 10 inches long.

Step 5

Place the rolled loaves onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a baking mat. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Allow at least 2 inches between each loaf on the pan.

Step 6

Cover the loaves with a greased piece of plastic wrap and allow the loaves to rise until doubled, about an hour.

Step 7

Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. When the loaves are ready, bake them in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 8

When the loaves come out of the oven, rub the tops with a stick of butter and cover them with a dish towel to cool.

Step 9

Let the loaves cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting down the middle and topping with your favorite sandwich fixings.