Airy White Bread Recipe: A Delightful Loaf for Every Occasion
There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, and this Airy White Bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. With its wonderfully light texture and versatile nature, this loaf can be used for everything from delicious sandwiches to crispy toast or simply enjoyed on its own. The process is straightforward, primarily using a bread machine, which makes it perfect for bakers of all levels. Below, you’ll find detailed instructions, nutritional information, and everything you need to bake this delightful loaf right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Airy White Bread |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 2 hours |
| Prep Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Category | Yeast Breads |
| Servings | 1 loaf (exact yield may vary) |
| Description | A light and versatile white bread suitable for all occasions. |
Ingredients
The following table outlines the ingredients required for this delicious Airy White Bread recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 1/4 cups |
| Shortening | 2 tablespoons |
| Bread Flour | 3 cups |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Yeast | 1 packet (typically 2 1/4 teaspoons) |
Nutritional Information
To ensure you can enjoy this bread without any surprises, the nutritional breakdown per slice (approximately 1/12 of the loaf) is provided below.
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 169.6 |
| Total Fat | 2.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 4.3 mg |
| Sodium | 190.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 31.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugars | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
Instructions
Baking this Airy White Bread is a delightful experience, made simple with a bread machine. Follow these detailed steps to create a beautiful loaf that will be the highlight of your meals.
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Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients listed in the table above. It is important to have them ready, as the process requires some precision, especially with the yeast.
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Load the Bread Machine: Add all the ingredients to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, this means starting with the liquid ingredients (milk and melted shortening), followed by the dry ingredients (bread flour, sugar, salt, and finally the yeast). This ensures the yeast remains dormant until the machine is ready to start its cycle.
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Select the Dough Cycle: Set your bread machine to the “dough” cycle. This cycle will combine the ingredients, knead the dough, and allow it to rise. The entire process generally takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
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Knead the Dough: Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine. Gently punch it down to release excess air and then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough briefly, about 1-2 minutes, to create a smooth texture.
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Prepare the Loaf Pan: Spray a standard loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully shape the dough into a loaf that fits your pan and place it inside.
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Let the Dough Rise: Set the loaf pan in a warm place to rise. A great tip is to place it on the back burner of your stove while it’s preheating. The gentle warmth will help the dough rise quickly. Allow it to rise until it reaches just about the top of the loaf pan, which usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the oven is at the perfect temperature when you are ready to bake.
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Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen adequately, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You can keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-brown; if it’s browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
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Check for Doneness: To check if the bread is done, tap gently on the top of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready! If it doesn’t, return it to the oven and bake in additional 5-minute increments until done.
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Cool Before Slicing: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This brief cooling period helps maintain the structure of the bread. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Slicing too soon may result in a smushed loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This Airy White Bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Sandwiches: Use it as the perfect base for turkey, ham, or your favorite veggie sandwich.
- Toast It Up: A quick toast slathered with butter, jam, or your choice of spread makes for an excellent breakfast or snack.
- Bread Pudding: Stale slices can be transformed into a delicious bread pudding with just a few additional ingredients.
- French Toast: This bread is perfect for making decadent French toast. Just dip slices in an egg mixture and pan-fry until golden brown.
Conclusion
In summary, this Airy White Bread recipe not only produces a light and fluffy loaf that is perfect for a variety of culinary uses but also invites a comforting ritual into your kitchen. Whether you’re crafting the ideal sandwich or enjoying a warm slice fresh from the oven, this bread will surely impress family and friends alike. The ease of preparation, particularly with the aid of a bread machine, makes it an accessible choice for both novice and experienced bakers. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake this delightful loaf that promises to be a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the journey of baking, and savor the delightful flavors that await you with each slice of this exceptional Airy White Bread.
