Description
A delightful recipe for homemade white bread that offers comfort and nostalgia.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (can substitute with honey or agave)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F, or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted; you can use olive oil as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for brushing the top before baking)
Instructions
- Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water with the sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, showing that the yeast is alive and ready.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, along with the melted butter. Mix until all the ingredients come together into a shaggy dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes, adding flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf with a cloth again and let it rise for about 30-45 minutes, until it has doubled again.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the top of the loaf with a little milk for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Try using whole wheat flour or natural sweeteners for healthier alternatives. Be sure not to over-knead the dough to prevent tough bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
