Homemade White Bread Recipe
User Reviews
5
Homemade White Bread Recipe
Description
The Homemade White Bread Recipe begins by activating yeast in warm water with sugar to form a frothy raft. After proofing, milk, salt, softened butter, and part of the flour are added and mixed in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Remaining flour is slowly incorporated while kneading the dough on low speed until smooth. The dough is then turned out to knead briefly by hand to develop gluten and texture before proofing in a warm oven with only the light on to encourage rising until it doubles in size.
After proofing, the dough is divided, rolled, and shaped to fit standard loaf pans, ensuring a tight roll for good structure. The final proofing and baking yield a bread with a soft crumb and a golden crust. The absence of eggs keeps the basics simple, though eggs can be added for richer flavor and texture if preferred.
This bread is ideal for daily use as sandwich bread, toast, or alongside meals. It stores well at room temperature for about three days, or can be refrigerated to extend freshness for up to five days. Freezing the baked loaf provides longer storage up to three months. Reheating by wrapping in foil and warming in a moderate oven refreshes the texture. Cooling the bread fully before slicing is important to ensure good texture.
Ingredients
- ½ cup water 112° to 115°, warm
- 2 tablespoons sugar divided in half
- 1 tablespoon active yeast
- 2 cups milk whole
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt coarse
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 5 ½ to 6 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Add the warm water (112° to 115°) to a bowl of a stand mixer along with ½ the amount of sugar and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 7 minutes until a raft has formed.
- Add in the remaining sugar, milk, salt, butter, and ½ the amount of flour. Add the hook attachment and turn the stand mixer to low speed.
- Slowly pour in the remaining flour ½ to 1 cup at a time until completely combined. Knead on low speed for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a clean surface dusted with flour and knead by hand for 1 to 2 minutes until soft.
- Transfer the dough to a large bowl and cover with plastic or a lid.
- Proof in the oven with only the oven light on for 40 minutes or until it has doubled in size. Return the dough to a clean surface and divide the dough in half.
- Press the dough down onto a clean flour surface until it is as wide as an 8” loaf pan and about 15”- 16” long.
- Roll up the dough from starting on the 8” side until it is rolled up and tight. Fold in the ends and pinch the edges together from the ends and underneath where the bread was rolled up to seal them.
- Place the dough seam side down into a greased 8” x 4” loaf pan and cover with a towel until the dough has just risen past the top of the pan.
- Bake in the oven at 425° for 20 to 25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of around 200°.
- Set it on a cooling rack and let it cool to room temperature. Brush with melted butter and serve.
Notes
- You can prepare this bread up to two days in advance to maintain freshness.
- Store the bread covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for five days; freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat wrapped in foil at 250°F for 5-7 minutes to refresh the loaf.
- Allow the bread to cool completely to room temperature before slicing to achieve the best texture.
- Instant yeast does not require the raft formation step during activation.
- The bread’s softness results mainly from proper proofing; the oven light trick provides a suitable warm environment for rising.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2loaves
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 200kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 9mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 251mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 89mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 115IU | 2% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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