There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. This classic white bread recipe uses everyday ingredients and delivers a tender, sliceable loaf that’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just slathered in butter.
⏱️ Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf (10–12 slices)
🍳 Equipment:
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Dough scraper or hands
- Clean towel or plastic wrap
- Oven
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 ¾ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
🧾 Ingredient Notes:
- Yeast: Active dry yeast must be proofed; you can also use instant yeast and skip the proofing step.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but bread flour will give slightly more chew.
- Oil/Butter: Adds moisture and softness; butter gives a richer flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in oil or melted butter and salt.
- Add 2 ¾ cups of flour gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Add more flour (up to ¼ cup) as needed if dough is too sticky.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
4. First Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat.
- Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
- Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape & Second Rise:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a log.
- Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes, or until the dough domes 1 inch above the pan.
6. Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 28–32 minutes until golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool:
- Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
📊 Nutrition (Per Slice, ~1 of 12):
- Calories: ~140
- Carbs: ~25g
- Fat: ~3g
- Protein: ~3g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~230mg
💡 Tips & Variations:
Tips:
- For a shiny crust, brush with melted butter after baking.
- Let bread cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
- Store in a sealed bag at room temp for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations:
https://schemecontinuingwinning.com/wnib1zsr?key=45ab04dbcac38f2dccee395819b9ef5c
- Honey Bread: Swap sugar for honey for a sweeter loaf.
- Garlic Herb: Add 1 tsp garlic powder and dried herbs to the dough.
- Whole Wheat: Replace up to 1 cup of flour with whole wheat flour.
