Simple Homemade White Bread Recipe

Simple Homemade White Bread Recipe

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This recipe yields a classic, soft, and versatile white loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh with butter. It’s great for beginners and requires minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
  • 1 tablespoon (10g) sugar
  • 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil or melted butter, plus more for greasing

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
    • Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Mix the Dough:
    • Add the oil or melted butter to the yeast mixture.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a dough hook on a stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  4. Knead the Dough:
    • Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5-7 minutes.
    • The dough should feel smooth and spring back when lightly pressed.
  5. First Rise:
    • Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil or butter.
    • Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat.
    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
    • Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the Loaf:
    • Punch down the risen dough to release any air.
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
    • Shape the dough into a loaf. You can do this by flattening the dough into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly.
    • Pinch the seam closed.
  7. Second Rise:
    • Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
    • Place the shaped loaf into the prepared pan.
    • Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
    • Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen almost to the top of the pan.
  8. Bake:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
    • An instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the bread should read 190-200F (88-93C).
  9. Cool:
    • Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked homemade bread!

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