Homemade Soft White Bread

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. This recipe for

homemade soft white bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter. It’s

soft, fluffy, and has a delicious golden crust.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

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

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, a pinch of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture to this bowl and stir well.

Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or mix by hand.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Kneading: If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for about 7-8 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape and Second Rise

Punch Down: After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the gas.

Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.

Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake: Bake the bread for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool: 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.

Tips for Success

Check the Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t foam up during activation, it might be dead, and your bread won’t rise.

Kneading: Proper kneading is essential for developing the gluten network that gives the bread its structure and chewiness.

Warm Environment: Dough rises best in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cold, you can create a warm spot by placing the dough in the oven with just the oven light on.

Slice with a Bread Knife: Use a serrated bread knife for neat slices.

Enjoy your homemade soft white bread with your favorite toppings, spreads, or use it to make the best sandwiches. This bread is sure to become a family favorite!

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