How to make a homemade White Bread

Homemade white bread is a staple in many households, and making it from scratch is easier than you might think. Here's a recipe for a classic, fluffy white bread:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110-115°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy.

2. Add 3 1/2 cups of the flour, salt, and softened butter to the bowl. Mix the dough with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy mass.

3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed if the dough is too sticky.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, until it doubles in size.

5. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it briefly to remove any air pockets.

6. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover it with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it reaches the top of the pan.

7. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slashes in the top of the loaf.

8. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Remove the bread from the oven and turn it out of the pan onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.

Tips:

• You can brush the top of the bread with a beaten egg or milk before baking to create a shiny, golden crust.
• To check if the bread is done, insert a thermometer into the center of the loaf - it should register at least 190°F.
• Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired - old yeast won't activate properly and your bread won't rise.
• If you don't have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead the dough by hand.

Making your own homemade white bread is a rewarding experience and the result is a delicious and comforting loaf that's perfect for sandwiches or toasting. Enjoy!