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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. Prepare Pans – Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
2. Form Loaves – Punch down the dough and split it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place into the prepared pans.
3. 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.
4. Preheat Oven – Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Bake – Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
6. 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! 🍞