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Easy Homemade White Bread

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Homemade Bread Recipe

This easy homemade bread recipe creates a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust. It’s perfect for beginners and only requires a few basic ingredients. Whether you’re making toast or sandwiches, this versatile bread is a household staple!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water, heated to 110°F (45°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one package) active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup milk, heated to 110°F (45°C)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. In a small bowl, combine the heated water and yeast.
  2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar and let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to use.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, heated milk, salt, remaining sugar, and 2 cups of flour.
  2. Mix the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
  3. Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, mixing after each addition until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
  2. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil.
  2. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

  1. Punch down the risen dough to release the air.
  2. Roll out the dough into a log shape and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  3. Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
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Step 6: Bake the Bread

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  3. Remove from the oven and transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pointers

  • Soft Crust: For a softer crust, brush the top of the baked loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
  • Slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely before cutting to prevent it from becoming sticky or gummy.

Timing Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Nutrition (Per Slice)

  • Calories: 170
  • Servings: 12 slices

With this simple recipe, you’ll have fresh, homemade bread in just a few hours. Enjoy the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked bread right from your kitchen!