The Best White Bread

Name: The Best White Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 170 min
Yield: 12 slices
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 2 tbsp sugar; 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 43°C (110°F)); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

170 min 12 slices Medium

All Recipes

The Best White Bread

Discover the secrets to making the best white bread with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Total

170 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

There's something truly special about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. White bread, with its soft, fluffy interior and slightly crisp crust, is a staple in many households. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe will guide you through creating the best white bread you've ever tasted. Baking bread at home is a rewarding experience that connects you to a decades-old tradition. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a loaf that's far superior to anything you could buy at the store. Let's dive into making the best white bread!

Ingredients

Servings

Dough

Instructions

Activate the yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy.

Pro tip: Ensure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.

Mix the dough

Add the melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until the dough comes together.

Pro tip: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Knead the dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.

Pro tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

First rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Pro tip: A perfect spot is inside an off oven with the light on.

Shape the loaf

Punch down the dough to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Pro tip: Ensure the seams are down to avoid splitting during baking.

Second rise

Cover the loaf with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the pan.

Preheat the oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

Bake

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Pro tip: An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read 93°C (200°F).

Cool

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro tip: Brush with melted butter for a softer crust.

💡

Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use room temperature ingredients for better yeast activation.</li><li>Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.</li><li>Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal results.</li><li>For a golden crust, brush the loaf with melted butter after baking.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

This white bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter. To store, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer preservation. Pair this bread with a hearty soup or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also make it ahead of time and enjoy the convenience of homemade bread whenever you want.