Making homemade bread is a rewarding and delicious experience. Here’s a basic recipe for a simple white bread loaf that you can enjoy fresh from the oven:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well in the flour mixture. Add the melted butter as well.
- Use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it fills the pan and rises slightly above the edges.
- Preheat and Bake:
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the bread once cooled and enjoy it warm with butter or your favorite toppings.
- Storage:
- Store any leftover bread in a sealed plastic bag or bread box to maintain freshness. Enjoy within a few days, or you can slice and freeze the bread for longer storage.
This homemade white bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with your favorite spreads. Experiment with different flour types or add-ins like herbs, seeds, or grains to customize the flavor to your liking. Happy baking!
for more recipes click here