Easy White Bread

White Bread

My favorite white bread recipe. I bid store bought bread goodbye long ago. We make the bread every weekend. Can keep up-to 5 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge, 3 days max on the counter.

1. 6 cups flour
2. 2 teaspoons salt
3. 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
4. 1 tablespoon sugar
5. 1/4 cup vegetable oil/butter
6. 2 1/2 cups warm water

Steps

1. Proof the yeast. Add 1/2 cup warm water in a big bowl, stir in the sugar and yeast and set aside for five minutes. If the yeast is active it will bubble. If it does not bubble discard and repeat this step.

   
   

    

    

2. Mix flour and salt. Sift the flour twice.

    

    

3. Add the remaining 2 cups of water to the yeast mixture. If using oil add it now.

    

    

4. Add half the flour and stir with wooden spoon or dough mixer if using one. If using butter, add it now.

    

    

5. Add the remaining flour keep mixing. Once firm, transfer to a floured surface and knead till the dough is soft and smooth. The dough should not stick to the surface or your hands.

    

    

6. Shape into a ball, put in a medium. Sized bowl, cover with clear foil or kitchen towel and set aside to rise. About one to one and a half hrs. The warmer the place the faster it will rise. After an hour it should double in size.

    

    

7. Grease two 400g bread tins and set aside.

    

    

8. After the dough has doubled in size beat it down(knead to flatten) and flatten with a rolling pin. Divide in to two and shape. The two into rectangles.

    

    

9. Transfer to bread tins, brush the tops with butter or olive oil. Cover tins with chicken towels and set aside to rise a second time. This should take about an hour.

    

    

10. Preheat oven to 180 degrees and place rack in the middle of the oven.

     

     

11. Once the dough has doubled in size(risen to the top of the tins), remove the kitchen towel transfer to the oven. (you can use a sharp knife to make a line/s on top of the dough just before you put it in the oven). Bake at 180 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.

     

     

12. To check if bread is ready remove from tin and tap top. Of it produces a hollow sound, the bread is ready. Do not open the oven too soon. Remove from Tim's and transfer to a cooling rack.

     

     

13. Let it cool. Spread some home butter and enjoy with tea. Can be used to make sandwich as well. Enjoy!

     

     

14. Disclaimer. Home made bread is addictive. Once you get it right you will not want to taste store bought ever again.