Traditional White Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This traditional white bread recipe is a timeless classic that's simple to make and perfect for any occasion. With a soft, fluffy interior and a perfectly golden crust, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Traditional White Bread

The foundation of this bread is simple yet effective. Flour gives the bread its structure, while salt adds depth to the flavor. Sugar not only sweetens but also helps the yeast feed and grow. Speaking of yeast, active dry yeast is our leavening agent, giving the bread its rise and airy texture. Butter enriches the dough, adding a subtle richness and tenderness. Finally, milk contributes to a soft crumb, and the warm water activates the yeast efficiently.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a turned-off oven with just the light on for warmth.
  • To test if the dough is kneaded enough, perform the "windowpane test": stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it stretches thin without tearing, you're good to go.
  • For a softer crust, brush the tops of the loaves with a little melted butter while they’re still warm.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure your water is the right temperature—too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it properly.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Try it with a hearty homemade soup or stew. It's also perfect for sandwiches filled with your favorite deli meats and cheeses. For a simple yet satisfying snack, toast a slice and spread with butter and jam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour can be used for a chewier texture, just keep an eye on the hydration as it might need a bit more water.
How should I store the bread?
Store in a bread box or wrapped in a cloth at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves wrapped in plastic wrap and foil.
Can I make this recipe by hand if I don't have a mixer?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making by hand, and kneading by hand can be quite therapeutic.

Traditional White Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by dissolving the sugar in the warm water in a large bowl, then sprinkle the yeast over it. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it looks foamy. This is called proofing, which confirms that the yeast is alive and kicking.

Once the yeast is proofed, mix in the salt and softened butter. Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until a rough dough forms. When it becomes too difficult to stir, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about an hour.

Once doubled, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it in half, shape each portion into a loaf, and place them into greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover again and let them rise for another 30 minutes or until the dough has risen about an inch above the pans.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl and your hands.
  • Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathering with butter.
  • A great way to fill your home with the comforting aroma of baking bread.
  • Yields two loaves, so you can enjoy one now and save one for later.

Ingredients

5 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
1/4 cup milk

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.
2. Mix salt and butter into the yeast mixture.
3. Add flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
4. Place dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Punch down dough, knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two greased 9x5 inch loaf pans.
6. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

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