basic white bread recipe

basic white bread recipe

The Best basic white bread recipe

I’ve been making this basic white bread recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites. They love watching the dough rise and being able to shape it into their own creations.

I’ve tried many different bread recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to for a classic, comforting loaf. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and it’s also great for everyday eating. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

The end result is a soft, fluffy loaf with just the right amount of crust – not too hard, not too soft. It’s also relatively healthy compared to some other bread recipes out there, which makes it a great choice for families looking to make healthier choices. I’ve included this recipe in many family gatherings and events over the years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast toast or a hearty sandwich filling, this basic white bread recipe is sure to please. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite toppings or fillings – just think of all the possibilities!

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and not overmixing the dough. This ensures that your bread turns out light and airy on the inside, while still maintaining that perfect crust on the outside. Of course, there are many variations on this basic recipe – but I’ll get to those in a minute.

For now, let’s talk about what makes this bread so special.

Basic White Bread

Basic White Bread

4.9 from 1705 votes

This simple white bread recipe is perfect for beginners. It yields a soft and delicious loaf that’s great for sandwiches or toast.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F to 115°F
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
2Add yeast and warm water, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
4Add melted butter to the dough and mix well.
5Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.
5 hours or until doubled in size.
7Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
8Place the loaf in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
9Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for 45 to 60 minutes or until the dough has nearly doubled in size and passes the poke test.
10Preheat the oven to 375°F during the last 10 minutes of rising.
11Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
12The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
14Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
15Turn the bread out onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Baking sheet
Clean kitchen towel
Baking pan
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 10mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 66g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 11g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can add herbs and spices to the dough for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Basic White Bread Works

This basic white bread recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast toast or a hearty sandwich filling.

It’s also incredibly versatile – try customizing it with your favorite toppings or fillings!

And don’t forget about all those wonderful leftovers – simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic White Bread

Q: What type of flour should I use for this basic white bread recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use all-purpose flour that has a high protein content – around 12-14%. This will help give your bread its signature chewy texture.

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

A: While both types of yeast can work in this recipe, instant yeast tends to produce more consistent results. However, if you only have active dry yeast on hand, you can still use it – just be sure to proof it first before adding it to the dough.

Q: How do I know when my dough is ready?

A: A well-kneaded dough should feel smooth and elastic to the touch – not sticky or crumbly. If you’re unsure, just perform a quick ‘windowpane’ test by rolling out a small piece of dough thinly between your fingers; if it tears easily or doesn’t hold its shape when bent into an L-shape (like an imaginary windowpane), then your dough may not be kneaded enough.

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?

A: Yes – you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by letting it rest in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking.

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