Easy Homemade White Bread
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This Easy Homemade White Bread recipe is a classic American favorite that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add salt, oil, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the bread cool before slicing and enjoying!
Nutrition Information:
– Calories: 150 per slice
– Protein: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Fat: 3g
Popular questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Can I add herbs or cheese to this bread recipe?
- How can I store the bread to keep it fresh?
- Can I double the recipe to make more loaves?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavor of the bread may be slightly different.
Yes, you can use instant yeast, but you may need to adjust the rising times as it is faster acting than active dry yeast.
Yes, you can customize this bread recipe by adding herbs, cheese, or other mix-ins for a flavorful twist.
Store the bread in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Yes, you can double or triple the ingredients to make multiple loaves of white bread.
Helpful tips:
- For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
- To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf – it should sound hollow.
- Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness in the bread.
- Experiment with different oils like olive oil or coconut oil for a unique flavor.
- Let the bread rise in a warm, draft-free place for the best results.
Expert Secrets:
- Kneading the dough properly is essential for developing gluten and achieving a soft, fluffy texture in the bread.
- Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size for a light and airy loaf of bread.
- Covering the dough with a damp towel while rising helps to keep it moist and prevent a dry crust.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the water temperature is between 105-115°F for activating the yeast.
- A warm oven can be a great place to let the dough rise if your kitchen is too cool.