Indulge in the comforting aroma and timeless simplicity of homemade white bread with this foolproof recipe. Crafted with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast, this bread yields a soft, fluffy interior paired with a perfectly golden crust. The dough comes together effortlessly with warm water and a touch of melted butter, making it easy for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. After two gentle rises, the result is a beautifully shaped loaf thatβs perfect for sandwiches, toast, and more. Whether youβre looking to impress at the dinner table or enjoy the warmth of fresh-baked bread, this recipe is a must-have. Plus, with just 20 minutes of prep and a cozy bake time of 25 minutes, itβs the ideal choice for anyone craving fresh, homemade white bread.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast, stirring to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Gradually pour the warm water into the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon. Once the mixture becomes too thick to stir, use your hands to begin kneading the dough.
Add the melted butter while kneading, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a log and place it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let the dough rise again in a warm place for 20-30 minutes, or until the dough rises just above the edge of the pan.
While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 350Β°F (180Β°C).
Once the dough has risen, brush the top with a small amount of milk (optional) for a golden crust.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Calories |
2087 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.6 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.3 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 3558 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 395.1 g | 144% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.8 g | ||
| Protein | 53.3 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 94 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 22.7 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 623 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.