Delicious Homemade White Bread
Experience the joy of baking with this Delicious Homemade White Bread recipe! Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathered with butter, this one-loaf recipe is simple and rewarding. With a beautiful golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior, this bread is sure to impress your family and friends. Ideal for novice bakers, this recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as this bread rises and bakes to perfection. Share it warm from the oven or store it for later—homemade bread is always a favorite!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 1/4 cups (warm)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
sugar
2 teaspoons (granulated)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (fine)
active dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (or 1 tablespoon)
all-purpose flour
3 1/4 cups (plus additional for kneading)
flour for yeast activation
1 tablespoon (for mixing with yeast)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, combine the warm water, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are dissolved.
2
Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and add 1 tablespoon of flour. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. If it does not bubble, your yeast may be inactive—consider using a fresh packet.
3
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the remaining 3 1/4 cups of flour. Make a well in the center, and add the yeast mixture to it.
4
Using a wooden spoon or your hands, combine the flour and the yeast mixture until a rough dough forms.
5
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, incorporating as much additional flour as needed until the dough becomes smooth and satiny. If the dough is sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
6
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean, damp towel and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
7
Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
8
Cover again and let the shaped dough rise until it has nearly doubled, approximately 30-40 minutes.
9
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for about 50 minutes, or until the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
10
If you're shaping the dough into 12 dinner rolls or 8 hamburger buns, reduce the baking time accordingly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the yield of this Delicious Homemade White Bread recipe?
This recipe makes one loaf of bread, which can be sliced into approximately 12 servings.
What primary ingredients are needed for this white bread?
You will need warm water, melted butter, granulated sugar, fine salt, active dry yeast, and all-purpose flour.
How do I proof the yeast for this recipe?
Sprinkle the yeast over a mixture of warm water, melted butter, sugar, and salt, then add 1 tablespoon of flour and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
How long should I knead the bread dough?
The dough should be kneaded on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and satiny.
What is the ideal temperature for the water?
The water should be warm to the touch, generally between 105 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit, to activate the yeast without killing it.
How long does the first rise take?
The first rise takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm area until the dough has doubled in size.
What should I do if my yeast does not bubble?
If the yeast mixture does not become frothy after 5 minutes, the yeast may be inactive and you should use a fresh packet.
What is the baking temperature for this bread?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How long does the loaf need to bake?
The bread should bake for about 50 minutes or until the crust is golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
Can I make dinner rolls with this dough?
Yes, you can shape this dough into 12 dinner rolls and reduce the baking time accordingly.
Can I make hamburger buns with this recipe?
Yes, this dough can be shaped into 8 hamburger buns; be sure to adjust the baking time.
How long is the second rise?
After shaping the dough into a loaf and placing it in the pan, let it rise for another 30 to 40 minutes.
What is the purpose of 'punching down' the dough?
Punching down the dough releases trapped air bubbles, allowing for a better texture and a more even second rise.
Should I grease the bowl for the first rise?
Yes, place the dough in a greased bowl and turn it to coat all sides to prevent sticking and drying.
Do I need to grease the loaf pan?
Yes, you should grease the loaf pan to ensure the bread can be easily removed after baking.
What kind of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, both for the dough and for dusting the surface during kneading.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
Yes, this is an ideal recipe for novice bakers as it uses simple pantry ingredients and basic techniques.
Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for the recommended 8 to 10 minutes.
How should I store homemade white bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature once it has cooled completely.
Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the baked loaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months.
Why did my bread not rise properly?
Common reasons for a poor rise include expired yeast, water that was too hot or too cold, or a drafty rising environment.
How much salt is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of fine salt.
What amount of sugar is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
How much butter is in the dough?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, bread flour can be used; it will result in a slightly chewier texture due to higher protein content.
What type of yeast is recommended?
The recipe specifies one 1/4 ounce package of active dry yeast, which is about 1 tablespoon.
What should the dough feel like after kneading?
The finished dough should be smooth, satiny, and no longer excessively sticky.
How many calories are in a serving?
The specific calorie count is not provided, but one loaf yields 12 servings.
What category of food does this belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Yeast Breads.
What is a good way to serve this bread?
It is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or served warm with butter.