Making a loaf of white bread is a straightforward process that requires basic ingredients and some patience. Here's a simple recipe for making a classic white bread loaf:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions:
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and activates.
Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil or melted butter. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
Knead the dough: Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. Kneading helps develop the gluten, which gives the bread structure and a chewy texture. The dough should become smooth and elastic.
First rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can do this by rolling the dough into a rectangle and then rolling it up tightly, pinching the seams closed.
Second rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes until it reaches just above the rim of the pan.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
Bake the bread: Once the dough has risen in the pan, place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown, and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
That's it! You now have a delicious homemade white bread loaf ready to be enjoyed. You can customize this basic recipe by adding various seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor and texture.