This recipe yields a classic homemade white bread, a kitchen staple renowned for its soft, airy texture and versatile nature. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. The aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- This includes activating the yeast and mixing the dough.
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- This is the baking time for the bread.
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours (including rising time)
- This includes all preparation, rising, and cooking time.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups warm water (600 ml)
- 1 package dry yeast (10 grams)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (20 grams)
- 7 cups all-purpose flour (840 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt (8 grams)
Directions:
-
Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, dry yeast, and granulated sugar.
- Stir gently with a spoon or whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes, or until the surface becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In the same bowl, add all-purpose flour and salt.
- Using a wooden spoon, a dough whisk, or a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
- The dough will be sticky at this stage.
-
Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
- The dough should feel soft and pliable after kneading.
-
First Rise:
- Lightly oil a large bowl with cooking oil.
- Place the kneaded dough in the oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- A warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot can provide an ideal environment for rising.
-
Shape the Bread:
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the trapped air.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges towards the center and rolling it into a log.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
-
Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan loosely with a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan.
- This second rise is crucial for a light and airy texture.
-
Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you have a digital thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 90-93°C (195-200°F).
-
Cool the Bread:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. 1 This allows the crumb to set and prevents a gummy texture.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 6-8g
- Fat: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 2-3g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:
White bread has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient civilizations. It evolved from simple flatbreads to the leavened loaves we know today. The development of yeast and milling techniques allowed for the production of finer, lighter bread, which became a staple food in many cultures. The industrial revolution and the rise of commercial bakeries made white bread widely available, contributing to its popularity. However, homemade bread has remained a cherished tradition, offering a sense of comfort and satisfaction. The simplicity of the ingredients and the versatility of white bread have cemented its place as a culinary classic. The act of baking bread at home is often associated with warmth, family, and tradition, making it a beloved activity for many. The rise of artisan bread and the renewed interest in home baking have further contributed to the enduring popularity of this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and Versatile: Made with basic ingredients and can be used for a variety of purposes.
- Aromatic and Comforting: The smell of freshly baked bread is irresistible.
- Soft and Airy Texture: Proper kneading and rising result in a light and enjoyable crumb.
- Economical: Making bread at home is often more cost-effective than buying it from a store.
- Customizable: You can easily add herbs, seeds, or other ingredients to create your own variations.
Health Benefits of:
- Source of Carbohydrates: Provides energy for daily activities.
- Fiber (if using whole wheat flour variations): Supports digestive health.
- Control over Ingredients: Allows you to avoid additives and preservatives found in commercial bread.
Serving Suggestions of:
- Sandwiches: Use for classic sandwiches like peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese.
- Toast: Enjoy toasted with butter, jam, or avocado.
- French Toast: Dip slices in an egg mixture and pan-fry for a delicious breakfast.
- Garlic Bread: Brush with garlic butter and bake until golden brown.
- Breadcrumbs: Use stale bread to make homemade breadcrumbs for various recipes.
Tips:
- Use Warm Water: Warm water (about 40-45°C or 105-115°F) activates the yeast effectively.
- Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a light and airy texture.
- Allow Adequate Rising Time: Ensure the dough doubles in size during both rises for optimal results.
- Use a Bread Thermometer: A bread thermometer ensures the bread is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
- Cool Completely: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
Variations to Try:
- Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.
- Herb Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough.
- Seed Bread: Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds on top before baking.
- Cheese Bread: Add grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan to the dough.
- Sweet Bread: Add sugar, cinnamon, and raisins for a sweet variation.
Conclusion:
This classic homemade white bread recipe is a timeless staple that offers a sense of comfort and satisfaction. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a perfect addition to any kitchen. Enjoy the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Yes, instant yeast can be used. You can add it directly to the dry ingredients without activating it in water.
- Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, bread flour has a higher protein content, resulting in a chewier texture.
- How do I know if my yeast is active?
- Active yeast will become foamy when mixed with warm water and sugar.
- Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
- Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier.
- How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
- Grease the loaf pan thoroughly or use parchment paper.
- Can I freeze homemade bread?
- Yes, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it at room temperature.
- Why is my bread dense?
- Insufficient kneading, inadequate rising time, or using too much flour can result in dense bread.
- How do I get a crispy crust?
- Spray the top of the loaf with water before baking or bake it on a preheated baking stone.
- Can I make this recipe without sugar?
- A small amount of sugar helps activate the yeast, but you can use honey