Yeast used to be one of those things that intimidated me. I went through a lot of trial and error over the years, but finally learned a few things that helped a lot. I wrote a little bit about yeast here.
This bread is easy to make and is perfect as a side to pasta dishes or salads, or sliced up and toasted for breakfast in the mornings. It is especially convenient if you need bread and are unable to go to the store (coronoavirus anyone?).
I hope you enjoy making this bread. My whole family loves it and it’s never around long!
Easy White Bread
This easy yeast bread is perfect for the days when you need bread and can't make it to the store.
Equipment
- Loaf pan, 9X5
- Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer with dough hook attachment
- Medium Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups warm water, divided in half
- 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Add half the warm water, sugar, and yeast to a glass measuring cup. Allow 10-15 minutes for the yeast to proof (become frothy). Pro Tip: The water should be approximately 110 degrees. Always use a thermometer to check. If yeast doesn't proof, it could be old, or the the wrong temperature water.
- Once yeast becomes frothy, add to bowl of mixer, along with the remaining water, honey, butter, and flour. Mix on low speed with dough hook until combined. May have to scrape down the bowl once.
- Once incorporated, set mixer speed to medium, and mix 7-9 minutes. Dough will pull away from sides and be soft and slightly sticky.
- Spray medium bowl with cooking oil spray. Pour dough into bowl, turn over so all sides are covered with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm dry place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size. I usually turn up the heat in my house if below 76 degrees. The dough will take longer to rise if house is cold.
- Once risen, turn out dough onto floured surface and shape into a rectangle. Roll up starting from the short end, and shape ends underneath. The idea is to form a loaf shape with a taut surface. Place in greased loaf pan.
- Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise another 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 390. Set oven rack to middle lower position.
- Bake at 390 for 30 minutes.
- When bread is done, convert loaf on cooling rack and brush with melted butter. Cool before slicing.
Notes
We’ve made this bread as a side with soups and salads. It’s also great as french toast, or avocado toast. It also makes your house smell like a bakery!
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