Discover the joy of homemade comfort with this simple yet satisfying One Loaf White Bread recipe. Crafted with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a touch of milk and butter, this classic bread delivers a pillowy-soft texture and golden crust that's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh from the oven with a smear of butter. With just 20 minutes of hands-on prep time, this recipe is beginner-friendly and guides you through essential bread-making techniques, from kneading to proofing. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this single-loaf recipe is an essential addition to your repertoire, yielding warm, bakery-quality results every time.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the salt.
Add the softened butter and milk to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until workable.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Grease a large bowl with a small amount of vegetable oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan and place the dough inside. Cover again with the towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove the loaf from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a wire rack to cool. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Calories |
1671 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.2 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 68 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 2398 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 305.4 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.8 g | ||
| Protein | 42.2 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 133 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 17.0 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 630 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.