This homemade soft white bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it a family favorite. The recipe is simple, and the result is a fluffy loaf with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. - Mix the dough:
In a large bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and milk. Stir until the dough comes together. - Knead the dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add the remaining flour gradually if the dough is too sticky. - First rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size. - Shape the dough:
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. - Second rise:
Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan. - Bake the bread:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Cool:
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your fresh, homemade soft white bread!