This classic white bread recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh with butter. It’s easy to make and requires basic ingredients, making it a staple in any kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk together until well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the warm water and softened butter. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape the Loaf: Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise until it has risen above the edge of the pan, about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it fresh, toasted, or in your favorite sandwiches!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients to suit your taste!