Homemade White Bread

Ingredients

  • For the bread:
    • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
    • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients:
    • Add the warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough:
    • Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough comes together. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
  4. First Rise:
    • Lightly grease a large bowl with butter. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
  5. Shape the Loaf:
    • Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To shape, flatten the dough into a rectangle, then roll it up tightly from one long side to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
  6. Second Rise:
    • Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise until doubled, about 30-60 minutes.
  7. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
  8. Bake:
    • Once the dough has risen, bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool:
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Slice and Enjoy:
    • Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it fresh! It’s great for sandwiches, toast, or simply with butter.

Tips

  • Flavor Variations: You can add herbs, cheese, or garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • For a Crunchy Crust: Place a small pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.

Enjoy your homemade bread! Let me know if you have any questions or need further recipes!

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