Bread baking is the process of combining basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt to create dough. The dough is kneaded to develop gluten, which gives bread its structure. After kneading, the dough is allowed to rise, or proof, which helps it become light and airy. Once the dough has risen, it is shaped and placed in a baking pan. The bread is then baked in an oven, where the heat causes the dough to expand and form a crust. Different types of bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat, can be made by varying the ingredients and techniques used.