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Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

This homemade bread recipe creates soft, fluffy, and flavorful loaves perfect for sandwiches, toast, or accompanying any meal. Made with simple ingredients like warm water, yeast, honey, and flour, it guides you through proofing, kneading, rising, and baking to achieve a classic golden-brown crust and a tender crumb inside. Ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers, this bread is easy to prepare and yields two delicious loaves.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water (105-115°F / 474g)
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar (85g honey or 50g sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable) (30 ml)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 – 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour (500g – 688g)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar or honey. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy and bubbly, which proves that the yeast is active and ready to use. If no foam appears, the yeast is inactive and should be replaced.
  2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the remaining sugar or honey, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour into the yeast mixture. Mix until just combined.
  3. Add More Flour: Gradually add an additional cup of flour and mix again. While the mixer is running, add flour ½ cup at a time until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky to the touch; add more flour if necessary to achieve this consistency.
  4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on medium speed with the mixer for 4-5 minutes or by hand on a lightly floured surface for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Grease a large bowl with oil or non-stick spray. Place the dough inside, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a dish towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
  6. Prepare Pans: Spray two 9×5 inch bread pans generously with cooking spray on all sides. Optionally, line the bottoms with a small piece of parchment paper for easy removal.
  7. Shape the Loaves: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough evenly into two portions, shape each into a long loaf, and place into the prepared pans.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the pans with a lightweight, dry dish towel or lightly sprayed plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise again until it has risen about 1 inch above the edges of the pans, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30 to 33 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. To check doneness, tap the top of a loaf gently—the sound should be hollow.
  10. Cool the Bread: Invert the loaves from the pans onto a wire cooling rack. Brush the tops with softened butter and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  11. Storage: Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Proof yeast in warm water (105-115°F) to ensure it is active before proceeding.
  • Adjust flour quantity as needed for dough consistency; dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  • Using bread flour will result in a chewier texture compared to all-purpose flour.
  • Allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment accelerates yeast activity and improves texture.
  • Brushing the baked loaves with butter adds flavor and softens the crust.
  • For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in airtight bags.
  • Optional: Lining pans with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and eases loaf removal.

Keywords: homemade bread, yeast bread, soft bread, easy bread recipe, baking bread, simple bread, classic loaf

Find it online: https://heutigemahlzeiten.com/homemade-classic-white-bread-recipe/