homemade bread

Making homemade bread is a rewarding experience! Here’s a simple recipe for a classic white bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or toast.

Homemade White Bread

Ingredients

• For the bread:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)

Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough comes together. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. First Rise:
   • Lightly grease a large bowl with butter. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
5. Shape the Loaf:
   • Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To shape, flatten the dough into a rectangle, then roll it up tightly from one long side to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
6. Second Rise:
   • Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise until doubled, about 30-60 minutes.
7. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
8. Bake:
   • Once the dough has risen, bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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. Slice and Enjoy:
    • Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it fresh! It’s great for sandwiches, toast, or simply with butter.

Tips

• Flavor Variations: You can add herbs, cheese, or garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
• Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• For a Crunchy Crust: Place a small pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.

Enjoy your homemade bread! Let me know if you have any questions or need further recipes!