Homemade White Bread
A delightful and easy homemade white bread recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. This bread is fluffy, flavorful, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ¼ teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Leavening agent for rising
- 1 ½ cups Warm Water Activates yeast (should be 105°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar Feeds yeast, adds sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor, controls fermentation
- 4-5 cups Flour Forms the dough structure
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by proofing your yeast. Mix active dry yeast with warm water and a bit of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy.
- Mix the proofed yeast with the rest of the ingredients in a bowl until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a clean surface until it’s smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shaping
- After the first rise, punch down the dough and split it into two equal parts. Flatten each part into a rectangle.
- Roll each piece tightly into a log, pinch the seams to seal them, and tuck the ends under.
- Place the loaves seam-side down in greased bread pans and let them rise for another 30-60 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Bake your loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a hollow sound is heard when tapped.
Notes
To keep your homemade bread fresh, wrap it in an airtight container or plastic bag. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. You can also use any leftover bread for French toast, croutons, or bread pudding.