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White Bread Loaf

White Bread Loaf
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This White Bread Loaf recipe guides you through baking a soft, fluffy, and golden-crusted bread at home using simple pantry staples. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, it produces a tender crumb ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying plain with butter. With step-by-step instructions, customizable options, and pro tips, you can create bakery-quality bread fresh from your oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (100°F to 110°F / 37°C to 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil (melted)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup milk (used sometimes in place of water for extra tenderness)
  • Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary or thyme), chopped, to taste
  • Sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds for topping
  • Whole wheat flour (substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour)
  • Raisins, cinnamon, or honey for sweet variations
  • Plant-based milk and oil for dairy-free version

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar into warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter or oil, stirring until the dough begins to form.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch, developing gluten for structure.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release gas. Shape into a loaf by rolling or folding, then place into a greased loaf pan.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up just above the pan edges.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped; internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
  8. Cool Before Slicing: Remove the loaf from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to set the crumb structure and ease slicing.

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast and check expiration to ensure best rise.
  • Allow dough to fully double in size for the lightest texture.
  • When dough springs back after pressing, it is properly kneaded.
  • Use warm, not hot, water to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam and develop a shiny crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: white bread loaf, homemade bread, soft bread, fluffy loaf, easy bread recipe, bread for sandwiches

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/white-bread-loaf/