Soft and Easy White Bread

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Introduction:
This Soft and Easy White Bread is a perfect homemade recipe for those who love light, fluffy, and tender bread. Whether you’re new to bread baking or an experienced baker, this simple recipe requires just a few pantry staples and yields a wonderfully soft loaf that’s great for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathering with butter. It’s an easy, fail-proof bread that you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients:

  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • ¼ cup milk (optional for brushing)

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast:
  • In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  1. Combine Wet and Dry:
  • Add the activated yeast mixture and the vegetable oil to the flour. Stir until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
  1. Knead the Dough:
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
  1. First Rise:
  • Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  1. Shape the Loaf:
  • Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface, gently shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  1. Second Rise:
  • Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 30-40 minutes until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
  1. Preheat the Oven:
  • While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  1. Bake:
  • Brush the top of the loaf with milk for a golden crust (optional). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  1. Cool:
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Success:

  • Water temperature: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. A good range is around 110°F (45°C).
  • Kneading: Proper kneading is key to a soft texture. The dough should be smooth and elastic before the first rise.
  • Rising environment: For quicker rising, place the dough in a slightly warm oven (about 80°F/27°C) or near a warm spot in the kitchen.

Recommendation:

Serve this Soft and Easy White Bread fresh out of the oven with butter and jam, or use it to make the perfect sandwich. It also makes excellent toast, French toast, or even breadcrumbs for other recipes! Enjoy its soft texture and delightful flavor with every slice.

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