Classic White Bread
Ingredients
- 3 cups warm water
baby bottle temperature
- 1 1/2 T active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup sugar or honey
- 1 T salt
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
melted
- 8 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
give or take 1/2 cup
Directions
- 1
For bread loaves use 3, 1/5-quart loaf pans or pans that measure 4x8 or 5x9.
- 2
Combine water, yeast, and sugar. Mix gently. Cover and let the yeast proof for ten minutes. If yeast does not foam up then do not move forward, start again with new yeast.
- 3
Add salt, egg, and oil. Mix to combine.
- 4
Add flour, cup by cup mixing in between each addition. You have enough flour when 1- the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl, 2- the dough becomes tacky but not overly sticky in texture. Use the touch test (below) to determine if the dough has the right amount of flour. If it doesn’t have enough, add a little flour and knead. If it has too much flour, add a teaspoon of oil and knead. Do not add too much flour!
- 5
Touch test: after kneading the dough, touch it with 3 fingers. If a lot of dough sticks to your fingers, it needs more flour. If hardly any sticks to your fingers it’s just right. If it is dry and crumbly with pockets of visible flour, it has too much flour. Kneading the dough for a few extra minutes can help hydrate any excess flour.
- 6
Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or with a bowl lid or with plastic wrap. Let rise until it has doubled in size (about one hour).
- 7
Punch down dough and dump onto a clean, floured surface. Divide into portions of either 3 loaves, 9 mini loaves, or 24-32 rolls. Form into the desired shape, and set on a greased cookie or greased loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap, a lid, or a clean dish towel. Allow to rise again until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 375° F for bread or 350° F for rolls.
- 8
Bake. - 3 large loaves bake at 375° F for 25-30 minutes or until the thermometer reads 180° F at the center of the loaf. - 9 mini loaves bake at 375° F for 22-25 minutes or until the thermometer reads 180° F at the center of the loaf.- 32 rolls (16 per cookie sheet) bake at 350° F for 17-20 minutes.- 24 rolls (12 per cookie sheet) bake at 350° F for 17-20 min
- 9
Remove from oven and let cool. Remove bread from bread pans and onto a cooling rack immediately so they don’t condensate and get soggy. Spread tops with melted butter if you want.
- 10
Let bread/ rolls cool completely, then they can be stored in twist tie bread storage bags.* They will last well at room temperature for 4-5 days, but remember that they do not have any preservatives in them so they may start to mold around day 7. I recommend freezing whatever won't be used within 4-5 days.
Classic White Bread
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Based on 12 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the comforting aroma and taste of homemade bread that feels effortless yet incredibly rewarding? This Classic White Bread recipe offers a simple, satisfying path to a loaf you'll want to bake again and again.
What makes this white bread recipe stand out is its commitment to ease without compromising on flavor. Utilizing active dry yeast with warm water and a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey ensures a reliable rise, creating a remarkably soft texture. The inclusion of melted coconut oil adds a subtle richness and contributes to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, setting it apart as one of the best and easiest homemade breads.
Get ready for your kitchen to be filled with the irresistible, heartwarming scent of fresh-baked bread as this classic loaf bakes to a beautiful golden hue. You'll discover a bread with a supremely soft and fluffy interior, encased in a delicate, appealing crust. The taste is pure comfort: subtly sweet, perfectly balanced by salt, making it incredibly versatile. It's the kind of bread that elevates a simple piece of toast or transforms a sandwich into something truly special.
Customization & Variations
- For a slightly different sweetness profile, you can easily swap the sugar for honey.
- Achieve a chewier texture by using bread flour rather than all-purpose flour for a more robust loaf.
- While an egg is included for tenderness, consider brushing the top of the risen dough with a simple egg wash before baking for an extra golden sheen.
This incredibly versatile Classic White Bread is perfect for any occasion, from a comforting breakfast toast to a hearty accompaniment for dinner. Enjoy it warm with butter, your favorite jam, or as the delicious foundation for sandwiches.