White Bread Recipe: How to Make Soft and Fluffy Homemade Bread

Looking to make your own fresh, delicious white bread at home? Look no further! This easy white bread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can have a warm, crusty loaf of homemade bread in no time.

I have always loved the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen. Growing up, my mother used to bake bread at home, and the memories of those warm loaves coming out of the oven stayed with me into adulthood.

As I became more conscious of the ingredients in store-bought bread and the preservatives used to extend its shelf life, I started to consider making my bread at home. I wanted to have control over what goes into the bread that I eat every single day.

After doing some research and experimenting with different recipes, I found that making white bread at home allows me to use simple, wholesome ingredients without any additives or preservatives. The process of kneading the dough and watching it rise fills me with a sense of accomplishment and connection to the tradition of bread-making.

Not only does making white bread at home allow me to create healthier and more flavorful loaves, but it also is a therapeutic and fulfilling activity for me. The joy of slicing into a freshly baked loaf and savoring the soft, pillowy texture makes all the effort worthwhile.

Now, making white bread at home has become a cherished routine for me, and it brings me great satisfaction to create homemade bread that is not only delicious but also free from any unnecessary additives.

To start, you’ll need flour, yeast, salt, sugar, water, and a bit of oil. Don’t worry if you’ve never worked with yeast before – this recipe is foolproof! The dough comes together quickly and easily, and then it’s just a matter of letting it rise and baking it to perfection. The end result is a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying on its own.

So why not skip the store-bought bread and try making your own? Not only is it a fun and satisfying activity, but you’ll also be able to control the ingredients and ensure that your bread is free of any unwanted additives or preservatives. Give this white bread recipe a try and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade bread!

Ingredients

Making your own white bread at home is a simple and rewarding experience. Before you get started, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. In this section, we’ll cover the three main categories of ingredients you’ll need: flour types, yeast selection, and additional ingredients.

Flour Types

The type of flour you use will greatly impact the texture and flavor of your bread. For a classic white bread recipe, all-purpose flour is the way to go. This type of flour is versatile and readily available at most grocery stores. You’ll need 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour for this recipe.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other types of flour such as bread flour or whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that these flours will produce a denser bread with a stronger flavor.

Yeast Selection

Yeast is what makes bread rise and gives it its fluffy texture. For this recipe, we’ll be using active dry yeast. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of yeast to make one loaf of bread.

When selecting yeast, make sure to check the expiration date and store it in a cool, dry place. If you’re not sure if your yeast is still active, you can test it by mixing it with warm water and sugar. If it foams up after a few minutes, it’s still good to use.

Additional Ingredients

In addition to flour and yeast, there are a few other ingredients you’ll need to make white bread. These include sugar, salt, warm water, and unsalted butter.

You’ll need 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor of your bread. The warm water (1 1/4 cups) will activate the yeast and help the dough rise. Finally, 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter will add richness and moisture to your bread.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious homemade white bread.

Preparation Steps

Mixing Ingredients

To start making white bread, gather all the ingredients you will need. You will need 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast, 1 1/4 cups of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter.

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until they are well combined. Then, add the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil or butter to the bowl. Mix everything together until the dough forms a ball.

Kneading the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.

To knead the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you. Then, fold the dough over and push it away from you again. Repeat this process for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface, shape it into a rectangle, and place it in a greased loaf pan.

Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.

Baking Process

Oven Preheating

Before you start baking your white bread, it’s important to preheat your oven to the right temperature. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for at least 15 minutes before you put your bread in. This will ensure that your bread cooks evenly and turns out perfectly.

Baking Time

The baking time for your white bread will depend on the size of your loaf. A standard 9×5 inch loaf will take around 30-35 minutes to bake. To check if your bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

Once your bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This will help your bread maintain its shape and texture.

Remember, the baking process is crucial to the success of your white bread recipe. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to baking delicious homemade bread in no time!

White Bread Recipe: How to Make Soft and Fluffy Homemade Bread

Recipe by PantrezeCourse: BreadsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

80

kcal

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups (about 415g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the activated yeast mixture and softened butter.
• Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
• Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
• Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle.
• Grease a loaf pan and place the shaped dough into the pan. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have baked your fresh batch of white bread, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some serving suggestions to make the most out of your delicious bread:

1. Toast it: Toasting your white bread is a classic way to enjoy it. Spread some butter or your favorite jam on top for a quick and easy breakfast.
2. Make sandwiches: White bread is the perfect base for sandwiches. Add some deli meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a satisfying lunch.
3. Serve with soup: A warm bowl of soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh white bread. Dip it in the soup or use it to make a grilled cheese sandwich.
4. French toast: Turn your white bread into a sweet breakfast treat by making French toast. Dip slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then fry until golden brown.
5. Bread pudding: Use your leftover white bread to make a delicious bread pudding. Mix bread with eggs, milk, sugar, and your favorite spices, then bake until golden brown.

No matter how you choose to serve your white bread, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!