This homemade white bread recipe uses all-purpose flour to create a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or toast. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread right from your oven.
The process is simple and requires minimal equipment, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You can customize it by adding herbs, seeds, or even whole grains for added flavor and texture.
The Joy of Baking Homemade Bread
Baking bread at home can be a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.
The process is straightforward, allowing anyone to create a delicious loaf with just a few ingredients.
Homemade bread not only tastes better than store-bought options but also offers a sense of accomplishment.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
To achieve that golden crust and soft interior, the right technique is essential.
Mixing and kneading the dough properly are key steps that contribute to the bread’s texture.
With a little patience during the rising phases, the dough transforms into a fluffy masterpiece.
Essential Ingredients for Success
Using all-purpose flour is a great choice for this recipe, providing a balanced structure.
The addition of instant yeast ensures a reliable rise, while sugar and salt enhance the flavor.
Warm water activates the yeast, and a touch of olive oil or melted butter can add richness to the loaf.
The Baking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a bowl before incorporating the wet components.
Once a shaggy dough forms, kneading it on a floured surface helps develop gluten, resulting in a smooth texture.
After the first rise, shaping the dough into a loaf is an exciting step, as it begins to take its final form.
Rising and Baking
Allowing the dough to rise twice is crucial for achieving the desired lightness.
The second rise should be monitored closely, ensuring it puffs up above the edge of the pan.
Baking at the right temperature will yield a crusty exterior while keeping the inside soft and airy.
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread
Once baked, let the loaf cool before slicing to maintain its structure.
The first cut reveals a soft, fluffy interior, perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter.
Sharing a freshly baked loaf with family or friends can create memorable moments in the kitchen.
Easy All-Purpose Flour Bread Recipe
This bread features a soft crumb and a golden crust, achieved through a straightforward mixing and kneading process. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and olive oil (if using). Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to 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 clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 23g