Homemade White Bread Recipe
This simple homemade white bread recipe produces a soft, fluffy loaf with a light crumb and a golden crust. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter. The ingredients are basic, and the process is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (plus more for greasing the pan)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive, and you should try again with fresh yeast.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture along with the butter and vegetable oil.
- Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment of a stand mixer until a rough dough forms. You can use your hands to bring the dough together if necessary.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
- Alternatively, you can knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for about 6–8 minutes on medium speed.
4. First Rise:
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To do this, flatten the dough into a rectangle, then fold the sides inward and roll the dough tightly from one end to the other.
- Pinch the seams to seal the loaf and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the pan with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan or just above it.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- For an extra-soft crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
9. Cool the Bread:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to ensure the crumb sets.
Tips for Success:
- Flour: For a softer loaf, you can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour, as it has more gluten, which helps the bread rise better.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is key to getting the right texture. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
- Rise Time: If you’re in a cooler environment, you may need to let the dough rise for a little longer. Just make sure it doubles in size.
- Oven Spring: Don’t open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to avoid deflating the dough. If you want an extra-crispy crust, you can place a shallow pan of water in the bottom of the oven to create steam.
- Storage: This bread is best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store it in a plastic bag at room temperature, or freeze it for longer storage.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Keep your homemade bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top bag. You can toast slices directly from the freezer.
This homemade white bread is the perfect base for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter and jam. The soft, fluffy texture and simple ingredients make it a classic recipe that’s perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike!
