There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, and this Old Fashioned White Bread recipe will transport you back to simpler times. With its soft, fluffy texture and golden crust, this loaf is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you impressing family and friends in no time. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on a delicious journey that will make your taste buds sing!
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1 1/2 cups of warm water (approximately 110°F or 43°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the packet of active dry yeast to the warm water mixture. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt. Make sure they are well combined.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning the dough to coat it lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-
- 5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly from one short end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal the loaf.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising for the second time.
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade old-fashioned white bread fresh or toasted, with butter or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Measure Accurately: For the best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your flour. Too much flour can lead to a dense loaf.
- Check Yeast Freshness: Always ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date. If you're unsure, proof it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the mix.
- Knead Properly: Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives your bread its structure. Don't rush this step; aim for a smooth, elastic dough.
- Warm Rising Environment: If your kitchen is cool, create a warm spot for the dough to rise by placing it in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on, or near a heating source.
- Don’t Rush the Second Rise: Allow the loaf to rise until it’s just above the edge of the pan. This ensures a light and airy texture.
- Tap for Doneness: To check if your bread is done baking, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
- Cool Completely: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect loaf of Old Fashioned White Bread that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
