Homemade White Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Baking bread from scratch can feel like a big task, but making the best white bread is worth it! The fresh aroma, the warm texture, and the taste of home-baked bread can’t be beaten. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying with butter. Plus, you’ll know exactly what goes into your bread, which makes it even better!

How to Make The Best White Bread from Scratch

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 5 cups flour
• 2 tsp yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp softened butter

Directions

1. In a liquid measuring cup, mix 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons of yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This helps to activate the yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, combine 5 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 3 tablespoons of softened butter. Use your hands to mix this mixture together, gently rubbing the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it becomes crumbly.
4. Once you have a crumbly texture, add the yeast water to the mixture and stir until a dough forms.
5. While still in the bowl, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. The dough will be sticky, which is normal. Try not to add more flour. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead this on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
6. After kneading, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, dark space for about 1-2 hours. The dough should double in size. If you’re using rapid rise yeast, this will only take about 35 minutes.
7. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. On a floured surface, divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each one into a loaf.
8. Place each loaf into a well-greased loaf pan. Grease with butter for the best results.
9. Let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until it’s about 1 inch above the edge of the pans.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the second rise is done, bake the loaves for 25 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
11. Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Be patient! Cutting the bread too soon can change its texture. Once cooled, slice and enjoy it with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.

How to Serve The Best White Bread from Scratch

This white bread is versatile! You can slice it for sandwiches or toast it for breakfast. It’s also great to serve warm with butter as a side with soups or salads. You can get creative and add your favorite spreads or toppings.

How to Store The Best White Bread from Scratch

To keep your white bread fresh, store it in a bread box or airtight bag at room temperature. This will help maintain its soft texture for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, slice and freeze it. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make The Best White Bread from Scratch

• Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Avoid adding extra flour while kneading; stickiness is normal for this recipe.
• Keep the baking loaves in a warm place to help them rise efficiently.

Variations

You can easily customize this bread! Try adding herbs for a savory touch, or use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for a healthier option. You can also add seeds or nuts for added texture and taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I use different types of flour?
A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a mix of flours, but this may change the texture and taste of the bread.

Q: What if my dough doesn’t rise?
A: Ensure your yeast is active. If the dough is not rising, it might be due to old yeast or a cold environment.

Q: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A: The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

The Best White Bread from Scratch

• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 2 loaves
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Experience the delight of homemade white bread with this simple and satisfying recipe, perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with butter.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 5 cups flour
• 2 tsp yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp softened butter

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Instructions

1. In a liquid measuring cup, mix 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup sugar and stir until dissolved.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to activate.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and softened butter, mixing until crumbly.
4. Add the yeast water to the mixture and stir until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, avoiding adding more flour, or knead in a stand mixer for 5-7 minutes on medium speed.
6. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm, dark space for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
7. Once risen, punch down the dough, divide it into two parts, and shape into loaves.
8. Place each loaf in a greased pan and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the loaves for 25 minutes until golden brown.
10. Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

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Notes

Store bread in a bread box or airtight bag at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices for up to 3 months.