Easy Homemade White Bread

Here’s a simple recipe for homemade white bread that’s easy to follow and yields delicious results!

Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and melted butter. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Loaf: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise: Cover the loaf with the towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it rises above the edge of the pan.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake: Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your homemade white bread plain, with butter, or as part of your favorite sandwich!

Tips:

• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
• Additions: Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or seeds to customize your bread!

Happy baking!