Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of cloud-soft, golden-brown bread that melts in your mouth - a bread so divine, it'll make store-bought loaves look like cardboard! This isn't just any bread recipe; it's the legendary Elle Hawks' Heavenly White Sandwich Bread and Buns that will transform your home kitchen into a gourmet bakery. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises bakery-quality results that will have your family and friends begging for more. Get ready to elevate your bread game and become the bread-making hero of your household!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf or 8 buns
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast in 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Allow the yeast to activate for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Once the yeast is activated, pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter to the mixture.
- Using a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also knead the dough in the stand mixer on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. For sandwich bread, shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it tightly from one end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
- For buns, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Place the balls on a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each for rising.
- Cover the shaped loaf or buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up noticeably.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 10 minutes of the second rise.
- If you're making a loaf, place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For buns, bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the bread or buns from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your homemade Elle Hawks Heavenly White Sandwich Bread or Buns! They are perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with butter.
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is precisely between 105-115°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead with Confidence: Don't be afraid to really work the dough - proper kneading develops gluten and creates that perfect, soft texture.
- Rising is Crucial: Place your dough in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works great.
- Test for Doneness: Tap the bottom of the bread - if it sounds hollow, it's perfectly baked!
- Cool Completely: Resist cutting into your bread immediately. Letting it cool allows the crumb to set and prevents a gummy texture.
- Storage Hack: Store your bread in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 12mg
