Dans old fashioned white bread –For those who appreciate the comforting taste of freshly baked bread, this Basic White Bread Recipe is a delightful option. It combines simplicity with deliciousness, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Below, you’ll find a straightforward guide to creating your own loaf of bread that is not only enjoyable to make but also wonderful to eat.
Image of Basic White Bread
Behold the golden-brown crust and soft interior of this homemade bread, a staple in many kitchens.
Ingredients
To create this delicious basic white bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to produce a beautiful loaf of white bread:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Once the yeast is activated, add melted butter and salt to the mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add 3 ½ cups of flour to the liquid ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually incorporate more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it turns smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- 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.
Once cooled, this basic white bread can be sliced and enjoyed with butter, turned into sandwiches, or toasted for breakfast. Happy baking!