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**Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Perfect for Every Meal**
Looking for a simple and delicious recipe to make **homemade white bread**? This easy white bread recipe will guide you through the process of making soft, fluffy, and aromatic bread at home. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this simple bread recipe will yield perfect results every time. Enjoy the comforting smell of freshly baked bread without the hassle!
### Ingredients:
– **3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour** (plus extra for dusting)
– **1 packet active dry yeast** (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
– **1 tablespoon sugar**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1 cup warm water** (about 110°F / 45°C)
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter**, softened
– **1 tablespoon vegetable oil** (or olive oil)
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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic!
#### Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms.
#### Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, adding small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. If you’re short on time, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
#### Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
#### Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
#### Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the rim of the pan.
#### Step 7: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top. You can also tap the top of the loaf to check for doneness – it should sound hollow.
#### Step 8: Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This step helps the bread set properly and makes it easier to slice.
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### Tips for the Perfect Homemade White Bread:
1. **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure that your water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly. Too hot or too cold water may prevent the yeast from working.
2. **Kneading**: Knead the dough long enough to develop gluten, which gives the bread its soft, chewy texture.
3. **Humidity Matters**: If your kitchen is dry, you might need to add a little more water. The dough should be soft, but not too sticky.
4. **Storage**: Store your homemade white bread in an airtight container or a bread box to keep it fresh for several days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it.
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### Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade White Bread:
– **Simple Ingredients**: All the ingredients you need are easy to find, and you likely already have them in your pantry.
– **Soft and Fluffy Texture**: This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as an accompaniment to any meal.
– **No Bread Machine Required**: This recipe is easy to make by hand or with a stand mixer. You don’t need a bread machine to create bakery-quality bread!
– **Customizable**: Want to add herbs or other flavors? You can easily make this recipe your own by incorporating your favorite add-ins, such as garlic powder, rosemary, or seeds.
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### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
**Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?**
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, heartier loaf. However, whole wheat flour may require slightly more water to achieve the right dough consistency.
**Can I freeze homemade white bread?**
Yes, homemade white bread freezes very well! Once it’s fully cooled, slice it and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can toast slices directly from the freezer or let the loaf thaw before slicing.
**Why is my bread dense?**
If your bread turns out dense, it may be due to under-proofing (not allowing the dough to rise enough) or over-kneading the dough. Be sure to follow the rise times and knead the dough just until smooth and elastic.
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**Conclusion:**
Making **homemade white bread** has never been easier! This soft, fluffy bread will become a household favorite for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a pat of butter. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy fresh bread straight from your oven. Give this easy white bread recipe a try, and you’ll never want store-bought bread again!
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