Say goodbye to complicated bread machine manuals and hello to effortless homemade perfection with the "Throw Away the Bread Machine Instructions White Bread" recipe! This foolproof, classic white bread is incredibly soft, slightly sweet, and packed with fresh flavor. Using simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, milk, and butter, this recipe delivers a golden, bakery-quality loaf that rises beautifully with the perfect blend of active dry yeast and a touch of sugar. Whether kneaded by hand or with a stand mixer, the dough transforms into a light, airy masterpiece with minimal effort. Perfect for slicing into sandwiches, serving alongside soups, or just enjoying warm with a smear of butter, this bread will quickly become a household favorite. With easy-to-follow steps and no bread machine required, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels looking for a reliable, irresistible result every time.
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
Heat the milk slightly until warm, then add it to the yeast mixture along with the softened butter and salt. Stir well.
Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 7-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch the dough down to release any air bubbles and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the loaf has risen just above the edge of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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 let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Calories |
2617 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.9 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.0 g | 165% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 146 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 3656 mg | 159% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 451.6 g | 164% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.1 g | ||
| Protein | 67.1 g | 134% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 392 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 25.4 mg | 141% | |
| Potassium | 1114 mg | 24% | |
*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.