Are you ready to transform your home into a bakery and impress everyone with the most incredible, melt-in-your-mouth white bread you've ever tasted? This Family Style White Bread recipe is not just a simple recipe—it's a culinary journey that will elevate your baking skills and fill your home with the most irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe will have you creating bakery-quality bread that will make your family beg for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water (around 110°F) with active dry yeast and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Melt the unsalted butter and let it cool slightly. Add the melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually pour the liquid ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf by gently pressing and rolling it into a rectangular shape.
- Transfer the shaped dough to a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, cover again, and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until it has risen just above the pan's edges.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) about 15 minutes before baking.
- Optional: Brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash or melted butter for a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, which typically takes about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and serve. Store in an airtight container or bread box for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your water is precisely warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead with Love: Take your time kneading the dough—8-10 minutes of gentle, consistent kneading develops the gluten and creates that perfect texture.
- Rising Environment Matters: Find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works perfectly.
- Don't Rush the Rise: Patient rising creates better flavor and texture, so let the dough double in size naturally.
- Optional Golden Finish: For a professional bakery look, brush the top with egg wash or melted butter before baking.
- Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to slice immediately—letting the bread cool helps it set and maintains its perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
