1. 1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, warm water, granulated sugar, salt, and olive oil (or melted butter) until well combined. The mixture should look slightly milky and uniform.

2. 2. Add Flour and Yeast: Gradually add 2 cups of the all-purpose flour and the instant yeast to the wet ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

3. 3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading, gradually adding the remaining 1 to 1 1/2 cups of flour, a little at a time, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes of kneading. The dough should spring back when gently poked.

4. 4. First Rise: Lightly grease the mixing bowl you used earlier. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

5. 5. Shape the Loaf: Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a tight log. The goal is to create a smooth, even shape that will fit neatly into your loaf pan.

6. 6. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a lightly greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise again in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about an inch above the rim of the pan.

7. 7. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise. Once the oven is preheated and the loaf has risen, bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210 F (93-99 C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

8. 8. Cool Completely: Remove the loaf from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. This is crucial for the texture; slicing too early can result in a gummy interior.