Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, instantly making it feel cozy and welcoming. The "Single Rise White Bread" is not only a delightful treat for the senses but also a simple yet rewarding baking project that anyone can master! With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. Ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that promises to elevate your kitchen game!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Baking
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of instant yeast. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Gradually add 1 ½ cups of warm water to the dry ingredients. The water should be warm to the touch, around 110°F (43°C), which helps activate the yeast.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is the single rise method, so ensure the dough has ample time to expand.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf by flattening it slightly, then rolling it tightly from one end to the other.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover it again with a kitchen towel and let it rest for an additional 10-15 minutes while you preheat the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready for baking when the loaf is ready.
- Once the oven is preheated, bake the loaf for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If desired, you can brush the top with melted butter for a softer crust.
- After baking, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your freshly baked single rise white bread with butter, jam, or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: For the best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your flour. This ensures consistency and helps prevent the dough from becoming too dry or too sticky.
- Warm Water is Key: Make sure your water is warm but not hot. Around 110°F (43°C) is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it.
- Knead Thoroughly: Don’t rush the kneading process! Kneading develops the gluten, which gives your bread structure and a chewy texture. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Give your dough enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free area. This is crucial for achieving that perfect fluffy texture. If your kitchen is cool, consider turning on your oven for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
- Check for Doneness: When baking, the bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re unsure, use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C).
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to set the crumb and prevents the bread from becoming gummy.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to add herbs, cheese, or seeds for extra flavor and texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
