Our Favorite White Bread
Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly comforting, "Our Favorite White Bread" is the ultimate homemade bread recipe that anyone can master. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, milk, and a touch of sugar, this classic loaf strikes the perfect balance between a tender crumb and a golden, slightly chewy crust. The step-by-step process includes activating active dry yeast for a light and airy rise and kneading the dough until it’s perfectly smooth and elastic. Whether toasted with butter, layered in a sandwich, or enjoyed fresh out of the oven, this versatile white bread promises bakery-quality results right at home. Ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this loaf is a timeless addition to your baking repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups Warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 0.5 cups Milk (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (softened)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and active.
Add the milk, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until the butter is mostly incorporated.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough starts coming together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Lightly grease a clean bowl with butter or oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it tightly and tucking the edges underneath.
Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size and the top of the loaf rises slightly above the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serve fresh or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2129 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.5 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.8 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 72 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 3605 mg | 157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 400.1 g | 145% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.1 g | ||
| Protein | 56.5 g | 113% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 226 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 846 mg | 18% | |
*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.
