Perfect White Bread

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Servings: 10 servings Difficulty: Advanced
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Soft, fluffy homemade white bread with a tender crumb and golden crust
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Perfect White Bread

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 10 servings Calories: 2392.5

Description

This classic white bread recipe delivers an incredibly soft and fluffy texture with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. The combination of lard, milk powder, and a generous amount of flour creates a tender crumb that stays fresh longer than typical yeast breads. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed warm with butter, this versatile loaf is a staple for any home baker. The two-stage dough process ensures proper gluten development, resulting in a rise that is both impressive and consistent.

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, ginger, and yeast. Let stand in a warm place until the mixture is bubbling and foamy, about 10 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the remaining sugar, warm water, flour, and skimmed milk powder until well combined.
  3. Stir the yeast mixture into the flour mixture, beating well to incorporate.
  4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let stand in a warm place until the sponge is well risen and bubbly, about 45 minutes.
  5. Add the remaining warm water, salt, and soft lard to the sponge. Beat well to combine.
  6. Gradually stir in the flour for the dough, mixing until the dough is stiff enough to clear the sides of the bowl.
  7. Spread the flour for kneading on a clean pastry board or countertop. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.
  8. Knead the dough well, adding small amounts of additional flour if necessary, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and satiny, about 10 minutes.
  9. Return the dough to the bowl, dust the top with flour, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  10. Turn the risen dough out onto the board and knead thoroughly, using only enough flour to prevent sticking.
  11. Divide the dough into 6 even portions.
  12. Shape each portion into a loaf.
  13. Place the shaped loaves into greased bread pans.
  14. Brush the tops of the loaves with soft lard. Cover and allow to rise again until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes.
  15. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the loaves for 20 minutes.
  16. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for 25 more minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  17. Remove from oven. If a soft crust is desired, brush the tops with melted lard or butter. Let stand for 5 minutes before removing from pans.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 2392.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26.9g42%
Saturated Fat 9.3g47%
Cholesterol 0.6mg1%
Sodium 2500mg105%
Total Carbohydrate 462.7g155%
Dietary Fiber 17.1g69%
Sugars 17.5g
Protein 60.4g121%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: bread, white bread, homemade, yeast, dough, kneading, flour, lard, soft, fluffy, loaf, baking, staple, comfort food, pantry, simple, classic, vegetarian, breakfast, lunch
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