My Favorite White Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 41/2 teaspoons instant yeast
two 0.25-ounce packets
- 3/4 cup + 2⅔ cups warm water
divided
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
cubed, at room temperature
- 9 to 10 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
melted, for brushing
Directions
- 1
In the bowl of a mixer, stir to dissolve the yeast in ¾ cup of the warm water, and let sit for 5 minutes. Add the remaining 2⅔ cups water, sugar, salt, room temperature butter, and 5 cups of the flour and stir to combine.
- 2
Using a dough hook, mix on low speed and gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is soft and tacky, but not sticky (you may not need to use all of the flour). Continue to knead until a soft ball of dough forms and clears the sides of the bowl, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- 3
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and turn it over so it is completely coated. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a draft-free place to rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Gently press it all over to remove any air pockets. Divide the dough in two and, working with one piece at a time, gently pat it into a 9x12-inch rectangle. Roll up the rectangle, starting on the short end, into a very tight cylinder. Pinch to seal the seams and the ends, tuck the ends of the roll until the bread, and place into greased 9-inch loaf pans. Cover the loaves loosely and place in a draft-free area until doubled in size, 30 to 45 minutes.
- 5
Position an oven rack on the lowest setting and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- 6
Brush the loaves with some of the melted butter. Bake the loaves for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 195 degrees F).
- 7
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with more of the melted butter. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely before slicing. The bread can be stored in an airtight bread bag or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
My Favorite White Bread Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked bread right from your oven? This recipe for homemade white bread delivers that classic, irresistible warmth and softness, perfect for any meal.
The beauty of this white bread recipe lies in its straightforward approach to classic flavors and textures. Using instant yeast simplifies the process, ensuring a consistent and reliable rise, while room temperature butter contributes to a wonderfully tender and rich crumb that makes every slice melt in your mouth.
Prepare to enjoy a truly delightful bread-making experience that culminates in a loaf with a beautifully golden crust and an incredibly soft, airy interior. This bread offers that familiar, comforting flavor of traditional white bread, making it ideal for everything from sandwiches to toast. With a prep time of 20 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you'll be enjoying homemade goodness in under an hour.
While this recipe shines on its own, you can easily personalize it. Consider incorporating a tablespoon of honey or a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary into the dough for subtle flavor variations. For a slightly richer crust, brush with an egg wash before baking instead of just melted butter.
This versatile white bread is perfect for everyday enjoyment, whether as the foundation for your favorite sandwich, alongside a hearty soup, or simply toasted with butter and jam.