This Soft and Easy White Bread is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a wonderfully soft loaf with a golden crust that’s ideal for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying on its own with a pat of butter. The recipe is straightforward and results in a deliciously tender bread that will make your kitchen smell amazing. Whether you’re baking for your family or yourself, this bread is sure to be a hit!
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours
- Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
Ingredients
- Wheat Flour: 700 g (5 1/2 cups)
- Dry Yeast: 11 g (1 tablespoon)
- Salt: 3 teaspoons
- Warm Water: 350 ml (1 1/2 cups)
- Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons
- Flour: For dusting
Directions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, dry yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough, divide into 2 parts, shape into rolls, and place in a lined baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover and let the dough rise again for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Additional Information
- Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy warm with butter or jam.
- Perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups and stews.
- Cooking Tips:
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with olive oil immediately after baking.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading.
- Nutritional Benefits:
- Wheat Flour: Provides fiber and essential nutrients.
- Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and a rich flavor.
- Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Dairy-Free
- Can be made vegan by using vegan butter instead of olive oil.
- Nutritional Facts (per slice):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple and easy to make with minimal ingredients.
- Produces a soft, tender loaf that’s versatile and delicious.
- Perfect for beginners looking to bake homemade bread.
- The aroma of fresh-baked bread will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting.
Conclusion
This Soft and Easy White Bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves homemade bread. The process is simple, the ingredients are basic, and the result is a deliciously soft and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or using it for sandwiches, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
- Yes, but the texture will be denser. You can also mix half white and half whole wheat flour.
- Can I make this bread without olive oil?
- Yes, you can substitute with any vegetable oil or melted butter.
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use instant yeast in the same quantity. No need to proof it first.
- How do I know if the dough has risen enough?
- The dough should double in size and be soft and slightly puffy to the touch.
- Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
- Absolutely! Try adding dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
- Gradually add more flour while kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Can I use a different type of oil?
- Yes, vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil can be used.
- Is it okay to use a bread machine for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use a bread machine, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- How can I keep the crust soft?
- Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil or melted butter immediately after baking.
- Can I make rolls instead of a loaf?
- Yes, simply divide the dough into smaller portions and bake as rolls. Adjust the baking time accordingly.