Print

White Bread Loaf

White Bread Loaf
Print Recipe

This classic White Bread Loaf recipe guides you through baking a soft, fluffy, and golden crusted bread using simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for beginners and versatile for any meal, it delivers a tender crumb and delightful aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
  • ¼ cup milk (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm water (around 110°F or 43°C). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter (or oil), and optional milk. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Shape into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it tightly from one end to the other. Pinch the seam closed.
  6. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise for about 45 minutes or until nearly doubled and puffed up.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped underneath. For extra shine, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.

Notes

  • Use warm water, not hot, to preserve yeast activity.
  • Kneading is crucial for gluten development and ideal texture.
  • Allow the dough to rise fully for better flavor and a lighter loaf.
  • Grease the loaf pan well for easy release and even baking.
  • Test bread doneness by tapping the bottom; a hollow sound indicates it’s perfectly baked.

Nutrition

Keywords: white bread loaf, homemade bread, simple bread recipe, easy bread, classic white bread

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/white-bread-loaf/