Fluffy Homemade White Bread Recipe

Fluffy Homemade White Bread Recipe

Introduction

There is something incredibly comforting about a fresh loaf of homemade white bread.

With its soft, fluffy texture and slight sweetness, homemade white bread is a staple that complements any meal.

This recipe for fluffy white bread is straightforward and perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers alike.

By following simple steps and using a few basic ingredients, you’ll create a beautifully risen bread with a golden crust and soft crumb.

Great for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a spread of butter, this bread will fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goodness.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F or 43°C)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

For Brushing (Optional):

1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing the top after baking)

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.

Mix the ingredients until they start coming together to form a dough. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic. If mixing by hand, stir until you can no longer mix, then knead by hand.

Knead the Dough:

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

To check if the dough is ready, perform the “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it stretches without tearing and you can see light through it, the dough is ready.

First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

The ideal temperature for dough rising is around 75-80°F (24-27°C). If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in a warm oven (just turn it on briefly, then turn it off) to encourage rising.

Shape the Dough:

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any trapped air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it up tightly.

Place the shaped dough seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, or until it rises just above the edge of the pan.

Bake the Bread:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Once the bread has completed its second rise, bake it in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Cool and Serve:

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling the bread ensures a firm, even crumb when sliced.

Slice and serve with your favorite spreads, or use it for sandwiches.

Conclusion

This fluffy homemade white bread is everything you’d want in a classic loaf: soft, airy, and slightly sweet with a golden crust.

Baking bread from scratch may seem intimidating, but this recipe is simple and approachable, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or toasted with jam, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Embrace the joy of homemade bread and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.

This is the recipe you’ll return to again and again for a reliable and delicious loaf.