Introduction:
Homemade white bread is a classic, comforting loaf that fills your home with a delightful aroma. With its soft texture and slight sweetness, it’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply served with butter.
Baking bread at home might sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy with just a few basic ingredients.
This recipe ensures you’ll have a soft, fluffy loaf every time, made from scratch with love!
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions:
Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to work.
Combine dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
Make the dough:
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture. Add melted butter. Stir until combined and the dough starts to form a ball.
Knead the dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead it for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Add more flour as needed if the dough is too sticky.
First rise:
Grease a large bowl with olive oil.
Place the dough inside, covering it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shape the dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
Shape it into a loaf by rolling it tightly and placing it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second rise:
Cover the loaf pan with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until it’s puffed up and nearly at the top of the pan.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and when tapped on the bottom, it sounds hollow.
Cool:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Description:
This homemade white bread is soft and fluffy with a slight sweetness from the sugar, perfect for any occasion. The crust is golden and slightly crisp, while the inside is tender and airy.
It’s a versatile bread that can be used for sandwiches, toasted with jam, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter. Baking it from scratch gives you a fresh loaf that you can customize with additional ingredients if desired.
Tips for Perfect Homemade White Bread
Use warm water: Ensure the water is warm, not hot. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while cold water may not activate it properly.
Don’t skip the kneading: Kneading the dough helps develop the gluten, giving the bread its structure and softness.
Allow proper rising time: Let the dough rise fully during both stages. This ensures the bread becomes light and airy.
Check doneness by tapping: Tap the bottom of the bread when you think it’s done. If it sounds hollow, it’s baked through.
Store bread properly: Store the bread in a paper bag or airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
Variations
Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
Herbed Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for a flavorful twist.
Sweet Bread: For a sweeter bread, increase the sugar by 2 tablespoons and add a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Milk Bread: Use milk instead of water for a softer, richer texture.
Add-ins: Add ingredients like raisins, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Corrections & Troubleshooting
Dough not rising: Ensure the yeast is fresh and the water temperature is correct. If the dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to expired yeast or a too-cold environment.
Dense bread: This could be caused by under-kneading, too much flour, or not allowing the dough enough time to rise.
Dry bread: If the bread turns out dry, try adding a bit more water or butter next time. Make sure the dough is well-hydrated before kneading.
Enjoy!
Now, your homemade white bread is ready to be enjoyed! Slice it up and savor the delicious taste of freshly baked bread. Whether you use it for sandwiches, toast, or just eating as is, you’ll appreciate the homemade goodness in every bite!