Classic Homemade White Bread

Classic Homemade White Bread

Introduction

Embrace the rewarding experience of baking your own bread with this Classic Homemade White Bread recipe. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. This recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves with a golden crust, ideal for sandwiches or simply slathered with butter.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 6 cups bread flour

Instructions

1. Yeast Mixture: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in the yeast. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add Ingredients: Add salt and oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in 5 cups of flour until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
3. Kneading: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Shaping the Loaves: Punch down the dough, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half and shape into loaves. Place these into two lightly greased 9×5 inch loaf pans.
6. Second Rise: Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise again until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
7. Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the loaves have risen, bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and from pans, and let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes for easier slicing.

Conclusion

This Classic Homemade White Bread recipe not only offers the pleasure of baking from scratch but also provides the ultimate comfort food. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, use it for your favorite sandwiches, or toast it for a comforting breakfast. Homemade bread is a simple luxury that elevates everyday meals into something special.

Feel free to personalize this recipe by adding herbs or grains for different flavors and textures. Happy baking!