Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Yeast Mixture
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (between 100°F and 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Other
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly—this means the yeast is activated and ready to use.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, ensuring they are well combined for even flavor throughout the loaf.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and softened butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a sturdy spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms and most of the flour is incorporated.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water is not too hot or too cold when activating the yeast—between 100°F and 110°F is optimal.
- Use softened, not melted, butter for optimal crumb texture.
- Rising time may vary depending on the temperature and humidity in your kitchen.
- Bread can be stored tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or sliced and frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
