White Bread

Servings: 4 cups Difficulty: Advanced
Soft, fluffy homemade loaf with a golden crust and tender crumb
White Bread recipe image

White Bread

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 cups Calories: 184

Description

This classic white bread recipe yields two soft, fluffy loaves with a perfect golden crust and tender interior. Made with simple pantry staples like milk, butter, and yeast, it delivers a comforting, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with soups, sandwiches, or just a pat of butter. The dough is easy to handle and rises reliably, making it an excellent choice for both novice bakers and experienced cooks. Enjoy the fresh-from-the-oven aroma filling your kitchen.

Directions

  1. Pour the warm water over the yeast in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Stir well until the yeast dissolves completely.
  3. Heat the milk gently until it reaches the same temperature as the yeast mixture (approx 105F).
  4. Pour the warm milk into the dissolved yeast mixture.
  5. Add the softened butter (or shortening/oil), sugar, salt, and 4 cups of the flour.
  6. Beat vigorously with a large spoon or mixer for at least 1 minute.
  7. Stir in enough of the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a stiff but manageable dough.
  8. Dust a clean surface with 1/4 cup of flour and turn the dough out onto it.
  9. Knead the dough for 1 minute, sprinkling extra flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  10. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  11. Resume kneading for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  12. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in bulk.
  13. Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and punch it down to release air.
  14. Divide the dough in half.
  15. Shape each half into an oval loaf that fits your greased bread pans.
  16. Cover the loaves with a damp towel and let rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  17. Preheat the oven to 350F (177°C).
  18. Bake the loaves for 40 to 45 minutes in glass pans, or 45 to 50 minutes in metal pans, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  19. Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 cups


Amount Per Serving
Calories 184kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.3g4%
Saturated Fat 1.0g5%
Cholesterol 2.3mg1%
Sodium 155mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 34.9g12%
Dietary Fiber 1.3g6%
Sugars 1.7g
Protein 4.9g10%

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

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