Classic Homemade White Bread
This classic homemade white bread recipe yields a light and airy 1.5 lb loaf, perfect for creating delightful sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with butter. The bread machine does the heavy lifting for you, yet transferring the dough to a traditional bread pan and baking it in your oven results in a beautifully risen loaf. Use a 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" pan for a taller loaf or a 5" x 9" pan for a more standard height. This versatile bread is a staple in any kitchen and can complement any meal or snack, making it a must-try for both novice and expert bakers alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm Water
1 cup (110°F (45°C))
White Sugar
2 tablespoons
Instant Yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
Vegetable Oil
4 tablespoons
White Bread Flour
3 cups (384g)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Begin by pouring warm water into the bread machine pan.
2
Stir in the white sugar and vegetable oil until fully dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
3
Let the yeast activate for about 10 minutes or until it becomes foamy, indicating it's ready.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the white bread flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the bread machine pan, covering the liquid ingredients.
5
Select the dough cycle on your bread machine and press start. Allow the machine to complete the entire cycle, which includes the first rise.
6
Monitor the dough during the kneading phase and make adjustments with additional water or flour as needed for proper consistency.
7
Once the dough cycle finishes, lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough, gently deflating it.
8
Knead the dough for about 6 to 8 folds, rotating it 90 degrees each time. Shape the dough into an 8" log.
9
Place the rolled dough into a greased 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan. Cover loosely with parchment paper or lightly greased plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. To check readiness, press your index finger into the dough; if it leaves a mark that rebounds slowly, it's ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F during the last few minutes of rising.
10
Once the dough has risen, brush the top with half of the melted butter.
11
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. You can test for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf (it should sound hollow) or checking the internal temperature with a thermometer (it should reach 190°F).
12
Remove the bread from the oven and brush the remaining melted butter over the top.
13
After a few minutes, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. For storage, keep the bread in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to several days or freeze for longer-lasting freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the yield of the Classic Homemade White Bread recipe?
This recipe yields a light and airy 1.5 lb loaf.
What temperature should the water be for activating the yeast?
The water should be warm, specifically 110°F (45°C).
How long should the yeast be allowed to activate?
The yeast should activate for about 10 minutes or until it becomes foamy.
What type of flour is recommended for this bread?
The recipe calls for 3 cups or 384g of white bread flour.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, the bread machine is used for the dough cycle, including the kneading and first rise.
What size loaf pan should I use for a taller loaf?
A 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" pan is recommended for a taller loaf.
What size pan results in a standard height loaf?
A 5" x 9" pan is recommended for a more standard height loaf.
How much vegetable oil is required?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How much sugar should be added to the yeast mixture?
Add 2 tablespoons of white sugar to the warm water.
What is the role of the bread machine in this recipe?
The bread machine does the heavy lifting by managing the kneading phase and the first rise.
Should I monitor the dough during the kneading phase?
Yes, you should monitor the dough and add water or flour as needed for the proper consistency.
How many times should the dough be folded after the machine cycle?
The dough should be kneaded for about 6 to 8 folds, rotating it 90 degrees each time.
What shape should the dough be formed into before the second rise?
The dough should be shaped into an 8" log.
How do I prepare the loaf pan?
The loaf pan should be greased before placing the rolled dough inside.
What should I cover the dough with during the second rise?
Cover the dough loosely with parchment paper or lightly greased plastic wrap.
How long is the second rise?
The second rise takes 45 to 60 minutes in a warm place.
How can I tell if the dough is ready for the oven?
Press your index finger into the dough; if it leaves a mark that rebounds slowly, it is ready.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat the oven to 350°F during the last few minutes of the dough rising.
How much butter is used in the recipe and how is it prepared?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
When should I brush the bread with butter?
Brush the top with half the melted butter before baking and the remaining half after baking.
How long should the loaf bake?
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
What is the target internal temperature for doneness?
The internal temperature of the bread should reach 190°F.
What is the sound test for a finished loaf?
Tapping the bottom of the loaf should result in a hollow sound.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Remove the bread from the pan after a few minutes of cooling.
Where should the bread finish cooling?
The loaf should cool on a wire rack before it is sliced.
How should the homemade white bread be stored?
Keep the bread in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to several days.
Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, the bread can be frozen for longer-lasting freshness.
What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
Use 1 package (1/4 ounce) or 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of salt.
What are some uses for this white bread?
It is perfect for creating sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying with butter.