Soft White Bread
A simple and rewarding recipe for beginners to make delicious homemade soft white bread filled with delightful aromas.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour or bread flour Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- 2 tablespoons Sugar Helps with yeast activation.
- 2 teaspoons Salt Enhances flavor.
- 1 packet Active dry or instant yeast Ensure yeast is fresh for best results.
- 1.5 cups Warm water Water temperature should be 90-110°F for yeast activation.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together.
- Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shaping and Second Rise
- Punch down the risen dough gently and divide it into equal parts.
- Shape each part into a loaf and place into a greased loaf pan.
- Cover with a cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
Notes
Store your bread in a bread box or wrap it in plastic to keep it moist. You can freeze slices wrapped in plastic to avoid freezer burn.