Here’s a simple and classic White Bread recipe to make soft, fluffy, and delicious bread at home. This recipe is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh with butter!
Classic White Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or vegetable oil)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir to combine. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and softened butter (or oil). Mix well with a spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, dust it lightly with more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
4. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough once to coat it in the oil. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and shape it into a loaf by rolling it into a cylinder or folding the edges inward to form a tight, compact loaf.
6. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a cloth and allow the dough to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the top of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
8. Bake the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top of the bread is golden brown, and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- Flour Adjustments: Depending on the humidity and temperature of your kitchen, you may need to adjust the flour amount slightly. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Storage: Store your white bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
- Soft Crust: For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
Enjoy your Classic White Bread with your favorite spreads or use it for sandwiches and toast! It’s a timeless recipe that will always be a hit.