Phipps Foolproof White Bread
Enjoy warm, homemade white bread with a soft crumb and crispy crust, perfect for sandwiches or toasting. Suitable for bakers of all skill levels seeking classic comfort bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften yeast in lukewarm water.
- Combine milk, sugar, salt, and shortening and cool to lukewarm.
- Add 2 cups of flour and stir well. Add softened yeast and stir.
- Add sufficient flour to make moderately stiff dough.
- Turn out on a highly floured surface and knead until smooth and shiny, about 8 minutes. Shape into a ball.
- Place in a heavily greased bowl and turn once to grease the surface.
- Cover with a dampened, clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours. Punch down.
- Let rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes. Divide into 2 parts.
- Shape each part into a smooth ball and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape into loaves and place in 2 heavily greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
- Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Bake in a hot 400°F oven for about 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure perfect results, use a kitchen thermometer to check that your milk is scalded but not boiling. If you run out of active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast, using about 25% less. Kneading is crucial; the dough should be smooth and elastic. For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices. If you have any leftover bread, try using it for Aunt Alice'S Buttermilk Cake or a delicious sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bread warm with butter and jam for a delightful breakfast. It pairs beautifully with Dill Potato Wedges for a comforting dinner. Consider using it for sandwiches, or as a base for French toast. This versatile white bread also makes a great accompaniment to soups and stews.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Phipps Foolproof White Bread contains roughly 1268 calories, with 30g protein, 229g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (94% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), and calcium (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 require additional liquid to achieve the right dough consistency. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter texture, then adjust based on your preference.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, check the temperature of the environment; it should be warm but not hot. Additionally, ensure that your yeast is fresh and properly activated in lukewarm water. If it's still not rising, try moving it to a warmer spot or letting it rise longer.
Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a bread machine. Add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine's manufacturer. Use the basic or white bread setting for optimal results, but keep an eye on the dough consistency as it kneads.
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).