Homemade White Bread
A simple and delicious homemade white bread recipe that yields a soft and fluffy loaf, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour) You can mix both types if needed.
- 1 tablespoon sugar Helps to activate the yeast.
- 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast Ensure it foams when mixed with warm water.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter Use butter for extra flavor.
- 1.5 cups warm water Temperature is important for yeast activation.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit until bubbly.
- Add flour, salt, and oil (or butter) to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again until puffy.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the loaf for about 30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- To check doneness, tap the top of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it is done.
Cooling and Storage
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
- Wrap the cooled loaf in a towel and store in a bread box or kitchen drawer.
- Freeze extra slices for later use. Avoid the fridge to prevent rubbery bread.
Notes
Brushing melted butter on top after baking creates a soft crust. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to preserve its texture.