Description
This homemade white bread is soft, fluffy, and golden with a tender crumb and lightly crisp crust. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or warm slices with butter.
Ingredients
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 1/4 cups warm water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, salt, butter, and 3 cups of flour, then mix until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough, divide into two portions, shape into loaves, and place in greased loaf pans.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until dough rises just above the pan edges.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, brush with butter if desired, and let cool before slicing.
Notes
Brush loaves with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
Add extra sugar for a sweeter loaf or mix in herbs or garlic powder for a savory version.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze sliced bread for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature.
Reheat slices in a toaster or warm the loaf in a low oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
