Are you tired of store-bought bread that lacks freshness and flavor? Look no further! With this Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe, you’ll be able to make fluffy and delicious bread right in your own kitchen. Say goodbye to store-bought bread and hello to the satisfaction of baking your own homemade bread from scratch. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 74g sugar (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 6g yeast (1/2 tbsp)
- 340ml water
- 600g all-purpose flour (4 cups)
- 1/2 tsp salt (2g)
- 20g milk powder (2 tbsp)
- 60g shortening (2 tbsp)
- 6g unsalted butter (1/2 tbsp)
- 12x12x12cm nonstick square toast mold
Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:
- Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, 1 tbsp of sugar, and warm water (around 110°F/43°C). Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, salt, and milk powder. Mix well to ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
- Incorporating Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the shortening and unsalted butter. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a rough dough forms.
- Kneading the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shaping and Second Rise:
- Punching Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air bubbles. Transfer the dough back to the floured surface and divide it into equal portions, depending on the size of your toast mold.
- Shaping the Dough: Shape each portion of dough into a smooth ball and place it into the greased toast mold. Cover the molds with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until it fills the molds and rises slightly above the edges.
Baking the Bread:
- Preheating the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Baking: Once the dough has risen, place the toast molds in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cooling: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the molds for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Adding Flavors: You can customize your homemade white bread by adding ingredients such as herbs, cheese, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Whole Wheat Version: For a healthier alternative, you can replace part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the rising time accordingly as instant yeast tends to rise faster.
- What can I use if I don’t have a toast mold? If you don’t have a toast mold, you can shape the dough into a loaf and bake it in a standard bread pan. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into rolls and bake them on a baking sheet.
- How should I store homemade white bread? Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage and reheat slices in a toaster or microwave before serving.
In conclusion, this Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves freshly baked bread. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own delicious and fluffy bread at home. Whether you enjoy it toasted with butter, as a sandwich, or with your favorite spreads, this homemade white bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Say goodbye to store-bought bread and hello to the joy of homemade baking!
