Foolproof Homemade White Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar, then wait for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture starts to froth.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, warm milk, salt, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until well combined.
3. Form the Dough:
   Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and comes together.
4. Knead the Dough:
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
5. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Dough:
   Punch the dough down to deflate it, then shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the Oven:
   While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
   After the second rise, bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Slice:
   Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 slices
Calories per Slice: 170

Tips:

• For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
• Wait for the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming sticky or mushy.

Enjoy this easy and delicious homemade white bread that’s sure to be a family favorite!