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Homemade White Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 28 reviews

This Homemade White Bread recipe yields soft, fluffy, and flavorful loaves with a golden-brown crust. Made with simple ingredients and kneaded using a stand mixer, this bread requires two rises and baking in traditional loaf pans, resulting in perfect sandwich bread that is delicious fresh or toasted.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 loaves (24 servings)

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 5½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, divided)
  • ¼ cup nonfat dry milk
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tsp kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 2 cups warm water (about 115°F)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (for finishing, optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: Add 2 cups of the flour, dry milk, sugar, softened butter, yeast, and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Mix briefly just to combine the ingredients.
  2. Add water: Pour in the warm water and mix until the dough begins to come together.
  3. Add remaining flour gradually: On slow speed, add flour gradually until you reach about 5 cups total. Increase speed to medium-high and mix until dough pulls away from sides of bowl. Add up to an additional ½ cup flour if necessary.
  4. Knead the dough: Continue mixing/kneading at medium-high speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Lightly spray the dough with cooking spray, turn to coat, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down and hand knead: Remove plastic wrap and punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough by hand for about 1 minute to remove any remaining air bubbles.
  7. Prepare loaf pans: Spray two 9×5 inch loaf pans with cooking spray.
  8. Shape the loaves: Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a log and place each into the prepared loaf pans.
  9. Second rise: Let the loaves rise uncovered until doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.
  10. Preheat oven: While the loaves are rising, preheat the oven to 400°F.
  11. Prepare for baking: Once doubled, make a slit down the center of each loaf with a sharp knife.
  12. Bake the bread: Place the loaves in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350°F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
  13. Brush with butter: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a soft, flavorful crust.
  14. Cool in pans: Let the bread cool in the pans for 5 minutes.
  15. Transfer to wire rack: Remove the loaves from the pans and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Use warm water around 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • For the best texture, avoid adding too much extra flour; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  • Brush with melted butter after baking for a soft crust and enhanced flavor, though this step is optional.
  • Make sure the bread is completely cooled before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.
  • Store bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic to keep fresh for several days.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/homemade-white-bread-recipe/