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Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

This homemade bread recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made from simple ingredients like yeast, flour, honey, and oil, the bread requires time for rising and baking to develop its delicious texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar
  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar or honey. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Initial Mixing: Add the remaining honey or sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
  3. Incorporate More Flour: Gradually add another cup of flour and mix. Continue adding flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is smooth yet slightly sticky.
  4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough using a stand mixer on medium speed for 4-5 minutes or knead by hand for 5-8 minutes until the dough is elastic and well-developed.
  5. First Rise: Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1.5 hours.
  6. Shape the Loaves: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the pans with greased plastic wrap or a towel, allowing the dough to rise again until it reaches about 1 inch above the pan edges, approximately 45-60 minutes.
  8. Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30-33 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Cool and Finish: Remove the loaves from the pans and invert them onto a wire rack. Brush the tops with melted butter and let them cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use warm water between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Adjust flour quantity as needed; dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  • Ensure to grease the loaf pans and cover during rising to prevent drying out.
  • Brushing with butter after baking adds flavor and keeps the crust soft.
  • The bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: homemade bread, yeast bread, soft bread, baking bread, easy bread recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/homemade-classic-white-bread-recipe/