Making homemade bread from scratch is a rewarding experience, and the result is deliciously fresh bread with a soft, fluffy interior and a golden crust. Here’s a simple recipe for Homemade White Bread that anyone can make, even if you’re a beginner!
Homemade White Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, but helps with browning)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a slightly sweeter taste)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water (make sure it’s not too hot, or it will kill the yeast) with the sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and stir gently to dissolve.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or the water was too hot or cold.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups flour and salt. Create a well in the center.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the well along with the olive oil (or melted butter) and honey.
- Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and slightly tacky but not too sticky.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much, or the bread will be dense.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. (An easy place to do this is inside your oven with just the oven light on.)
- Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges in and rolling it up tightly.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the rim of the pan.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C) when done.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy warm with butter, jam, or use for sandwiches.
Tips:
- Add-ins: You can add herbs, cheese, or even dried fruits (like raisins) to the dough for a unique flavor.
- Storage: Homemade bread is best enjoyed within a few days, but you can store it in a plastic bag or bread box to keep it fresh. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread and thaw it when needed.
- Texture: For a lighter, airier loaf, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
This Homemade White Bread is soft, fragrant, and has that perfect homemade texture! Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious results!