Simple White Bread
A soft, fluffy white bread with a classic crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast, appealing to home bakers seeking homemade comfort bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure water into a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle yeast over the water.
- Add dry milk, sugar, salt, oil and about 3 1/4 cups of flour to make a thick batter.
- Blend well.
- Beat 3 minutes at medium speed.
- By hand, gradually add remaining flour to form a very stiff dough.
- Toss dough on a floured board until it's no longer sticky.
- Knead until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Roll each dough portion to a 12 x 6-inch rectangle.
- Roll up each rectangle tightly with the 6-inch side.
- Seal the edges and ends of each loaf.
- Place seams down in 2 greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Bake at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from pans immediately.
- Brush with butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure that your water is warm but not hot, ideally around 110°F, to activate the yeast without killing it. If you don't have instant nonfat dry milk, you can substitute with regular milk by reducing the water slightly. Kneading the dough until smooth is key for a good texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or using half whole wheat flour.
Serving Suggestions
This simple white bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Mother'S Best Meat Loaf for a comforting meal. You can also toast slices for breakfast and top them with butter and jam or use them to make delicious garlic bread. Enjoy with a side of Crunchy Onion Layered Salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple White Bread contains roughly 3383 calories, with 46g protein, 346g carbohydrates, and 205g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), iron (106% of the Daily Value), and protein (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. 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
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or too cold of an environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is warm enough. Try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area, like an oven with just the light on, to encourage rising.
Can I make this bread using a bread machine?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a bread machine. Add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine's instructions, usually wet ingredients first. Use the dough cycle, then shape and bake in the oven for best results.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F for properly baked bread.
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).