Wondering how to make homemade white bread? This is an easy recipe to get started with. Once you have the ingredients, follow along to make the perfect loaf.
Start by pouring your measured warm water into a large mixing bowl. Next, add the sugar and yeast to the warm water. Allow the yeast mixture to sit for a few minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and bubble up.
Once the yeast has bloomed, it’s time to add the melted butter, milk, and salt.
1 c. Milk, 2 tbsp. Butter, 1 tbsp. Salt
Gradually incorporate the flour into the yeast mixture, stirring it with a sturdy wooden spoon. As the mixture thickens, use your hands to bring the dough together. Add flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides, forming a sticky mass.
5 1/2 c. All-Purpose Flour
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and springy to the touch. Add additional flour (1 tbsp at a time) if the dough seems too sticky.
Gather the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
Divide the dough into two and form both sections into two balls. Allow balls to rest for 10 minutes.
Grease two standard-size loaf pans with non-stick spray or olive oil.
Shape both balls into smooth loaf shapes and transfer them into the two greased loaf pans. Slash the tops of the loaves.
Cover the loaf pans loosely with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. In the meantime, preheat your oven to 425°F.
Place the bread in the preheated oven when the proofing time is up. Immediately reduce the heat to 375°F. Bake the bread for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust turns a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Once baked, carefully transfer the loaves of bread onto a wire rack to cool completely.