This homemade white bread recipe yields two delicious loaves that are perfect for sandwiches or toast. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread right from your oven.
The process involves basic bread-making techniques, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Homemade white bread is a staple that brings comfort and warmth to any kitchen. The process of making this bread is straightforward, making it a great choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a loaf that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The golden crust and soft, fluffy interior make it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To achieve that perfect loaf, gather the essential ingredients. You will need all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, unsalted butter, instant yeast, and warm water.
These basic components come together to create a delightful bread that serves well for family meals or gatherings. The simplicity of the ingredients highlights the beauty of homemade bread.
The Bread-Making Process
The journey begins with mixing the dry ingredients. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. This step sets the foundation for your bread’s flavor and texture.
Next, you’ll introduce the wet ingredients. Warm water and softened butter are added, transforming the dry mix into a dough. Kneading the dough is a crucial step, as it develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure and chewiness.
Rising to the Occasion
After kneading, the dough needs to rise. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it sit in a warm spot. This first rise allows the dough to double in size, creating air pockets that contribute to the bread’s lightness.
Once it has risen, punch it down to release the air, then divide it into two portions. Shape these portions into loaves and place them in greased pans for the second rise. This final rise is essential for achieving that fluffy texture.
Baking and Cooling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) as the loaves complete their second rise. When they’ve risen above the pans, it’s time to bake. The aroma of bread baking will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Bake the loaves until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Once out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack. If desired, brush the tops with melted butter for an extra touch of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it with butter for a classic treat. The warm, crusty exterior pairs beautifully with the soft interior, making each bite a delight.
This homemade white bread is versatile enough to be used for various meals, from breakfast toast to hearty sandwiches. Enjoy the satisfaction of sharing freshly baked bread with family and friends!
Easy White Bread Recipe
This white bread features a soft and fluffy texture with a golden crust. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and serves well for a family of four or more.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon additional butter for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and add the softened butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaves: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased 9×5 inch loaf pans.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaves and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they rise above the pans.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack. Brush with melted butter if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 16 slices
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g