Easy Mix White Bread
A soft, homemade white bread with a classic crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast, suited for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike seeking fresh, warm bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour and the dry active yeast.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, sugar, shortening, and salt just till warm (115°-120°) and shortening is almost melted; stir constantly.
- Add the warm milk mixture to the flour and yeast mixture.
- Beat at low speed of electric mixer for 1/2 minute, scraping sides of bowl.
- Beat 3 minutes at high speed.
- Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix with a spoon.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl.
- Turn once to grease the surface, then cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your milk is at the right temperature; too hot can kill the yeast. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. To add flavor, consider incorporating herbs or garlic powder into the dough. This bread can also be shaped into rolls for a delightful twist, reminiscent of Best Ever Dinner Rolls.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Mix White Bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side with soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with butter and jam for breakfast or with a hearty stew for dinner. For a delightful addition to your meal, consider serving it alongside Cran-Raspberry Jello Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled, store it in a plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the toaster or wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Mix White Bread contains roughly 1059 calories, with 59g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), protein (117% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1063mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may yield a denser loaf. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter texture. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
What should I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date. Also, make sure your environment is warm enough; if it's too cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) to encourage rising.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has a golden-brown crust. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F. Allow it to cool before slicing for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).