White Bread
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups lukewarm water
divided
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
or active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp honey)
(or more sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
cubed at room temperature
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 Tbsp butter
melted for brushing
Directions
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook combine the instant yeast, sugar, and half of the lukewarm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy (if using active dry yeast, let sit for 15 minutes).
- 2
Add remaining water, honey, salt, cubed butter, and 4 cups flour to the bowl. Knead at low speed until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky. Add a few more tablespoons flour if necessary. Continue to knead for 6-9 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is soft and smooth.
- 3
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and make sure that it is completely coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm and draft-free place for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- 4
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough onto it. Divide it into two equally sized portions. Use your fingers to gently pat each half into an 8x12 inch rectangle while pressing it all over to remove any air pockets. Starting at the short end, roll up the rectangle into a tight roll and pinch the seams to seal. Tuck the ends of the roll slightly under the roll to create some tension on the surface and place each loaf into a greased 8x4 inch loaf pan tucked ends and seam side down. Cover with a greased piece of plastic wrap and let rise for about 45 minutes in a warm and draft-free place until doubled in size.
- 5
Preheat oven to 390 degrees F and adjust oven rack to lower-middle position.
- 6
Bake loaves for 25-30 minutes until golden brown (and the loaf registers 208 to 210 degrees).
- 7
Invert bread onto a cooling rack. Reinvert loaves and brush tops and sides with melted butter. Let cool completely before slicing.
White Bread
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About this Recipe
Imagine a slice of incredibly soft, fluffy white bread, still warm from the oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This classic White Bread recipe brings that bakery-quality experience right to your home, proving that homemade doesn't have to be complicated.
What makes this recipe stand out is its commitment to achieving that perfect, tender crumb. The combination of sugar and honey works in harmony to activate the yeast, ensuring a consistent rise and a wonderfully light loaf that's never dense. This thoughtful balance of ingredients results in a texture you'll want to sink your teeth into again and again.
You'll be delighted by the pillowy texture and subtle sweetness of this homemade white bread. It's designed to be effortlessly soft, delivering a comforting bite every time. The exterior, once brushed with melted butter, boasts a delicate crust that perfectly complements the tender interior, creating a truly satisfying experience from the first slice.
This versatile white bread is perfect for everything from classic sandwiches and toast to serving alongside your favorite soup or stew. For a slightly different flavor profile, you can easily adjust the amount of honey or even swap it entirely for more sugar, depending on your preference. The recipe is quite forgiving, allowing for these simple adjustments.
Serve slices slathered with butter and jam for breakfast, or pile high with your favorite sandwich fillings for a comforting lunch. This bread is a blank canvas for countless culinary creations.