Easy Homemade White Bread

Baking homemade white bread is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. This easy recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • Add the melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine.
   • Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed, but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides.
   • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf:
   • Gently punch down the risen dough to release air.
   • Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly from the short end.
   • Pinch the seams to seal and tuck the ends under.
6. Second Rise:
   • Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
   • Cover and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen about an inch above the rim of the pan.
7. Bake the Bread:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Once preheated, bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

This homemade white bread is a versatile staple, offering a soft and tender crumb with a delightful crust. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spreads. Baking your own bread not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also ensures a preservative-free, delicious loaf for you and your family.