Here’s a simple recipe for a soft and fluffy white bread loaf:
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp milk (optional, for brushing)
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir to combine.
- Form the dough:
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil (or butter) into the flour mixture. Stir until a dough starts to form. You can use a spoon or your hands for this.
- Knead the dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
- First rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by rolling it out and folding the sides inward, then rolling it tightly into a log shape.
- Second rise:
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising.
- Bake:
- Once the dough has risen, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional:
- Brush the top with a little milk or butter while it’s still warm for a soft finish.
Enjoy your freshly baked white bread! It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just as is with a bit of butter.
