Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Aug 17, 2024

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Making white bread at home is a satisfying and delicious endeavor that can yield delightful results with a little know-how. This guide will walk you through the fundamental steps to create soft, fluffy white bread, starting with gathering your ingredients, mixing, proofing, and finally, baking. Whether you're a novice baker or looking to perfect your bread-making skills, this guide ensures that your white bread turns out perfect every time, with a golden crust and tender interior that's ideal for sandwiches, toast, and more.

Activate the Yeast

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Make the Dough

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Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. Kneading is essential as it further aligns the gluten strands, giving the bread its structure and chewiness. The dough might get sticky, but resist the urge to add too much flour; just a pinch will do to keep things manageable. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider kneading in some extras like diced cheese or chopped herbs for a flavor boost.

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Grease the Dough

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Let it Rise

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it in a warm, draft-free place to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. The right environment is key—a slightly humid, warm spot works best. If your kitchen is on the cool side, a slightly warmed oven with a bowl of water placed inside to add moisture can create the perfect rising environment.

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Test and Shape

After the dough has risen, test it by pressing a finger about half an inch into the surface. If the indentation remains, it’s ready to shape. If it springs back, let it rise a little longer. Once ready, turn the dough out and shape it into a loaf by pulling the sides down and tucking them under to form a seamless top.

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Let it Rise Again

Place the shaped dough on a greased cookie sheet, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise again, this time for about 45 minutes. It won’t double in size this time but should puff up nicely.

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Prep for Baking

Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Just before baking, dust the loaf with flour and slash the top with a serrated knife to help the bread expand during baking. Spritz the top with a little water to help form a crispy crust.

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Bake the Bread

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Cool Down

The toughest part of baking bread is waiting for it to cool down. Allow the bread to cool on a rack for at least ten minutes. This patience pays off as it prevents the bread from becoming doughy or crumbly inside.

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