Simple White Flour Bread Recipe

Whip up a delightfully simple loaf with our White Flour Bread recipe. Using just a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe yields a soft, delicious loaf that’s perfect for everything from a hearty morning toast to a companion for your evening meal. The process is straightforward, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and those looking to quickly bake up a storm without fuss.

Ingredients:

  • Less than 4 cups of white flour (about 410 g)
  • 1.5 cups of water (about 300 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt (about 6 g)
  • 160 g butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the white flour and salt.
  3. Add Water: Gradually add water to the flour mixture, stirring continuously. Adjust the water as needed to form a soft dough. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the humidity and type of flour.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  5. Shape and Prepare for Baking: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the prepared baking pan. Melt the butter and brush it generously over the top of the loaf. Make a few shallow slashes on the surface of the dough with a sharp knife.
  6. Bake: Place the dough in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy this freshly baked white flour bread as is, or slice it up and toast it for a warm treat. It pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings, from creamy butter and fruit jams to rich cheeses and deli meats. It’s also the perfect base for an open-faced sandwich or a side to your favorite soup.

Health Benefits:

While white bread often gets a bad rap in health-conscious communities, moderation is key. Here are some health considerations for including white flour bread in your diet:

  • Energy Supply: Bread is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy to fuel the body, particularly the brain and nervous system.
  • Nutritional Enhancements: Consider enriching your homemade bread with nutritious seeds like flax, sesame, or sunflower to boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Low-Fat Content: Homemade bread can be made with lower fat than many store-bought options, especially if you control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.

Creative Ways to Enjoy White Flour Bread: Transform your freshly baked bread into a variety of delightful dishes:

  • Croutons: Cube the bread, toss it with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake until crispy for a delicious salad topping.
  • Bread Pudding: Use slightly stale bread to make a sweet or savory pudding, a comforting dish that can be enjoyed any time of day.
  • French Toast: Dip slices of your white flour bread in a mixture of egg, milk, and cinnamon, then fry until golden brown for a perfect breakfast treat.

Sustainability Tips:

Baking your own bread can also be a more sustainable option compared to buying packaged bread. Here’s how:

  • Reduce Packaging: Homemade bread doesn’t require plastic packaging, which reduces waste.
  • Control Over Ingredients: You can choose locally sourced or organic flour to minimize your ecological footprint.
  • Energy Efficiency: Experiment with baking multiple loaves at once to save energy and freeze extras for future use.

This White Flour Bread recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread in no time. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want homemade bread without the complexity of more elaborate recipes. Dive into baking with this foolproof recipe, and delight in the simple pleasures of bread making.