Homemade White Bread Recipe 🍞

Overview:

When you have some extra time on your hands and a craving for homemade goodness, this Homemade White Bread recipe is your go-to solution! Rich with the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, this recipe is a testament to the joys of homemade baking. With a total preparation time of 2 hours and 35 minutes, including a generous hour for the dough to rise, it yields two delightful loaves, perfect for sharing or savoring throughout the week. Dive into the delightful process of bread-making and treat yourself to the wholesome taste of homemade bread.

Recipe Details:

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves
Category: Yeast Breads
Keywords: Breads, Grains, European, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive

Ingredients:

2 cups water
2 tablespoons powdered milk
2/3 cup butter
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
6-7 cups all-purpose flour

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 1748.9
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 15.1g
Cholesterol: 72.1mg
Sodium: 3744.8mg
Carbohydrates: 317.9g
Fiber: 11.6g
Sugar: 30.1g
Protein: 52.8g

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine water and active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to stand until the yeast is fully dissolved and starts to activate, creating a frothy layer on top.
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Mix the Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add powdered milk, butter, sugar, salt, and enough flour to form a stiff dough. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential for developing the gluten in the dough, resulting in a light and airy texture in the finished bread.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Divide and Shape: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any trapped air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a loaf. Place the shaped loaves into greased 8-inch loaf pans.
Second Rise: Cover the loaf pans with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for the second time until it doubles in size again. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has completed its second rise and doubled in size, bake the loaves in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Enjoy: Remove the freshly baked loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve your homemade white bread with your favorite spreads, or enjoy it plain for the pure pleasure of its comforting taste and texture.

Tips for Success:

Ensure that the water used to activate the yeast is lukewarm, around 110°F (43°C), to promote optimal yeast activity.
When kneading the dough, add flour gradually until you achieve the desired consistency. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky.
For a beautifully golden crust, brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter before baking.
To check if the bread is fully baked, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, with no doughy residue, the bread is ready.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming too dense or gummy.

Conclusion:

With its simplicity, versatility, and irresistible flavor, this Homemade White Bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned bread baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find joy in the process of creating this homemade delight. From its soft, pillowy interior to its golden, crusty exterior, every slice of this bread is a testament to the power of homemade goodness. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that’s as rewarding as it is delicious!