Mother'S Homemade White Bread
Homemade white bread with a soft, elastic crumb and a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast, appealing to bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1/2 cup warm water, a dash of sugar, and yeast in a large glass bowl and let sit until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine honey, salt, butter, and 2 cups hot water; stir until honey and butter melt.
- Gradually add several cups of flour to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Allow the yeast mixture to cool slightly, then add it to the flour mixture.
- Add more flour gradually until the dough becomes too thick to stir comfortably.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead in remaining flour until the dough is elastic but not sticky.
- Lightly grease a mixing bowl and place the kneaded dough inside; lightly grease the top of the dough.
- Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and place in a warm, draft-free location to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
- Punch down the risen dough and knead again on a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a loaf, and place in lightly greased loaf pans.
- Lightly butter the tops of the loaves, cover with a towel, and let rise again for 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use warm water between 100-110°F to activate the yeast effectively. If you don't have honey, sugar works well as a substitute. Kneading is crucial; ensure the dough is elastic but not sticky. If the dough is too wet, gradually add more flour until the desired consistency is achieved. For a richer flavor, consider using half whole wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade white bread is perfect for sandwiches or toast. Serve it warm with butter or alongside a bowl of soup for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Sweet Potato Casserole, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings. For a delicious breakfast, try it with jam or as a base for French toast.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Homemade White Bread contains roughly 629 calories, with 14g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1749mg per serving (76% 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
What if my yeast doesn't foam?
If your yeast mixture doesn't become foamy after about 10 minutes, it may be inactive. Ensure your water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. You may need to start again with fresh yeast to ensure your bread rises properly.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. This method may take a bit longer, usually around 10 minutes, but it’s very rewarding and allows you to feel the dough's texture.
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. Let it cool before slicing to maintain its 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).