White Bread
A classic white bread with a soft crumb and golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Its mild flavor pairs well with sweet or savory toppings, making it suitable for everyday meals or special occasions. Baking this bread fills your home with inviting aromas and offers a rewarding baking experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald the milk, then stir in sugar, salt, and shortening. Allow to cool to lukewarm.
- Pour warm water into a bowl, sprinkle yeast over the water, and dissolve. Add the milk mixture to the yeast.
- Stir in half of the sifted flour into the mixture, then add the remaining flour and combine.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and brush the top with melted shortening.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour and 20 minutes until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into two equal parts.
- Knead each portion briefly, then place in greased loaf pans.
- Let the dough rise again for 55 minutes until puffy.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 50 minutes until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your milk is scalded and cooled appropriately before combining with the yeast. You can substitute shortening with butter or margarine if desired. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly. Kneading is crucial; aim for a smooth, elastic dough. For a twist, try adding herbs or garlic for flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This white bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Lena'S Chocolate Topping for a sweet treat. Consider serving it with a spread of butter or jam. For a hearty meal, enjoy it with a bowl of soup or a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Bread contains roughly 838 calories, with 25g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), iron (56% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% 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
Why did my bread not rise properly?
If your bread did not rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is warm but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill yeast. Also, make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment.
Can I make this bread without dairy?
Yes, you can make this bread dairy-free by substituting the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk. Just make sure to use a non-dairy shortening or oil to maintain the texture and moisture of the bread.
How can I tell when my bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, you can check the internal temperature; it should be around 190°F (88°C) for fully baked bread. If it needs more time, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
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).