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Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 80 reviews

This easy homemade white bread recipe produces a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toasting. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, it is ideal for beginners and bread lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (between 100°F and 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Mix warm water with sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Add the softened butter and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough begins to come together.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for structure.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Shape and second rise: Gently punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Notes

  • Ensure the water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F for proper yeast activation; too hot can kill the yeast.
  • Kneading time is crucial to develop gluten; under-kneading can produce dense bread.
  • Allowing the dough to rise twice improves texture and flavor.
  • You can brush the loaf with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
  • Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: homemade white bread, easy bread recipe, simple white bread, basic bread loaf, soft white bread

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/easy-homemade-white-bread-recipe/