Homemade white bread is a classic staple that is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious homemade white bread from scratch.
Homemade White Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.
- Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
4. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly from one end to the other.
- Pinch the seams to seal and tuck the ends under.
6. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
8. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
9. Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag.
- Variations: You can add herbs, garlic powder, or cheese to the dough for added flavor. For a whole wheat version, substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Testing for Doneness: If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature of the bread should be around 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
Enjoy your homemade white bread! It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.