Favorite White Bread
This classic white bread offers a soft, fluffy texture with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Its simple ingredients and straightforward process make it ideal for home bakers seeking fresh, homemade bread that pairs well with any meal or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- Add dry milk, oil, sugar or honey, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a loaf and place in greased bread pans.
- Cover the pans and let the dough rise again until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven, cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it. If you’re out of nonfat dry milk, you can substitute with an equal amount of regular milk, adjusting the water accordingly. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches the desired consistency. For a slightly sweeter taste, consider adding honey instead of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade white bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter. It pairs beautifully with the Cushaw Pie for a delightful meal. Consider serving it alongside a hearty soup or salad for a fulfilling lunch. You can also use it for French toast or bread pudding, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it, then toast slices directly from the freezer when needed for a quick snack or breakfast.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite White Bread contains roughly 626 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 489mg per serving (21% 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 for a portion of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that this may change the texture and density of the bread. A good starting point is to replace up to half of the flour with whole wheat, adjusting water as needed since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or the environment being too cold. Ensure that the yeast is fresh and properly activated. If the dough is still not rising, try moving it to a warmer location, like an oven set to a low temperature, or a sunny spot in your kitchen.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) indicates that it's fully baked. If you have a kitchen thermometer, using it can help ensure perfectly baked bread every time.
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).