Basic White Bread Recipe
April 25, 2024
Mastering Homemade Bread: Your Guide to Simple White Bread
Baking homemade bread is a delightful culinary adventure that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple and versatile white bread recipe, along with essential tips for shaping, baking, resting, and storing your freshly baked loaf.
Simple Stand Mixer White Bread Recipe
Creating your own homemade bread is easier than you think with this straightforward recipe:
Ingredients: - 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C) - 2 tablespoons sugar - 2 1⁄4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast - 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting - 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions: 1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough: Add 2 cups of flour, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with a stand mixer until the ingredients come together. Gradually add the remaining 1⁄2 cup of flour until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
Knead the Dough: Continue kneading the dough on low to medium speed for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaf: After the first rise, shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise again until it reaches just above the rim of the pan, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Success: - For a soft crust, brush the loaf with melted butter after baking. - Customize your bread by adding herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough before baking. - Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the bread reaches an internal temperature of 190°F to 200°F (88°C to 93°C) when fully baked.
Storage and Serving Suggestions: - Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. - To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving or reheating in the oven.
With this simple white bread recipe and expert tips, you’ll be on your way to baking delicious homemade bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own. Happy baking!