Country’s White Bread
Soft, airy, and incredibly adaptable, this timeless homemade white bread is ideal for making sandwiches, toasting, or simply savoring warm with a bit of butter. Made with straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you’ll enjoy freshly baked bread from your oven in no time!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 5 1/2 to 6 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) |
| Warm water (110°F / 45°C) | 2 cups |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 2 tablespoons |
Directions
Make the Dough
- Activate Yeast – Combine warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Stir in the yeast and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Combine Ingredients – In a large bowl, mix 5 cups of flour with salt. Add the yeast mixture and softened butter, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Knead – On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, adding extra flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat it. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Bake
- Prepare Pans – Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Form Loaves – Punch down the dough and split it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place into the prepared pans.
- Second Rise – Cover with a towel and let the dough rise for 30-45 minutes until it rises just above the edges of the pans.
- Preheat Oven – Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake – Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool – Remove from the oven and cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
- Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading: Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its soft, elastic texture. The dough should feel smooth and slightly sticky.
- Test for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s done!
Enjoy the comforting scent of homemade bread filling your home and the delicious taste of fresh-baked goodness in every slice! 🍞
