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Easy White bread

Easiest Bread Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Western
Servings 1 loaf (about 12 slices)

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Loaf pan 9x5-inch is ideal
  • Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast one standard packet
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water around 110°F
  • ¼ cup whole milk room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • Extra butter for greasing and brushing the top

Instructions
 

Activate the yeast

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to work.
    warm water is mixed with sugar and dry yeast

Mix the dough

  1. Add the milk, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir gently. Then gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
    foamy yeast mixture

Knead the dough

  1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-6 minutes.

Let it rise

  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.

Shape the loaf

  1. Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.

Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Cool and enjoy

  1. Brush the top with a bit of melted butter for that glossy finish. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.