There's something undeniably comforting about a slice of homemade white bread, with its pillowy softness and delicate flavor. Making fluffy white bread from scratch is a rewarding experience that allows you to savor the simple pleasure of freshly baked goodness. In this blog post, we will explore the secrets and techniques behind creating irresistibly light and airy white bread that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
To achieve that coveted fluffy texture in your white bread, it's essential to pay attention to a few key factors. First and foremost, proper yeast activation is crucial. Ensure your yeast is fresh and alive by proofing it in warm water with a pinch of sugar until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step kickstarts the fermentation process, helping the bread rise and develop those airy pockets that make it so delightful. Additionally, the quality of your flour plays a significant role. Opt for high-quality flour, contributes to the bread's structure and texture. Gentle handling of the dough is also essential. Avoid over-kneading, as it can result in a denser loaf. Instead, work the dough just until it becomes smooth and elastic. Finally, allowing proper resting and rising time is crucial for the development of flavor and texture. Patience is key; let the dough rise undisturbed in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size, and then gently shape it before the final rise. These small but significant steps will set the stage for a beautifully fluffy white bread that will be the envy of any bakery.
Homemade bread is a true labor of love. By following these steps you can create a loaf that embodies the essence of cloud-like perfection. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a baking adventure that will reward you with slice after slice of fluffy white bread that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1.25 cups warm water (110-115ºf is optimal)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2.25 tsp)
- 2 tbsp organic cane sugar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp pink salt
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
2. Add the oil and pink salt to the bowl. Mix the ingredients together.
3. Add the flour to the bowl. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and mix the dough on low speed for about 2 minutes, until the ingredients are combined.
4. Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Turn off the mixer and remove the dough hook. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, until it has doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and punch it down to remove any air bubbles.
7. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
8. Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for another 30-45 minutes, until it has risen above the rim of the pan.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the bread for 25-35 minutes, until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade bread!
Nutritional Information for 1 loaf
- Calories: 2835
- Total Fat: 78g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 3930mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 474g
- Dietary Fiber: 15g
- Total Sugars: 23g
- Protein: 56g
Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used in the recipe.
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