Imagine the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, wrapping you in a warm embrace of comfort and nostalgia. With our easy-to-follow recipe for Classic White Bread made in a bread machine, you can turn this dream into a reality in just over three hours! Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a soft, fluffy loaf that's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills? Let’s dive into the world of homemade bread!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 3 cups of bread flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast.
- Measure 1 cup of warm water (approximately 110°F or 43°C) and pour it into the bread machine's baking pan. The water should feel warm to the touch but not hot.
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the warm water. This will help activate the yeast and add a touch of sweetness to your bread.
- Next, add 2 tablespoons of softened butter to the water and sugar mixture. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups of bread flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the salt.
- Carefully add the flour and salt mixture to the bread machine pan, making sure it covers the liquid ingredients completely. This helps to create a barrier that prevents the yeast from activating too soon.
- Make a small well in the center of the flour mixture and add 2 teaspoons of bread machine yeast into the well. Do not stir; this allows the yeast to activate at the right time during the mixing process.
- Securely place the baking pan into the bread machine and close the lid. Select the 'Basic' or 'White Bread' setting on your bread machine, ensuring that the crust color and loaf size are set to your preference.
- Start the bread machine. The machine will mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread automatically. This process will take approximately 3 hours.
- Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the baking pan from the machine using oven mitts, as it will be hot.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Once cooled, slice the bread as desired and enjoy your homemade classic white bread!
Tips
- Use the Right Temperature: Ensure your warm water is around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively. Too hot or too cold water can hinder the yeast's performance.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so use precise measurements for the best results. Consider using a kitchen scale for the flour to ensure accuracy.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: Softened butter adds richness and flavor to your bread. Make sure it's soft enough to blend easily but not melted, as this can affect the texture.
- Layer Ingredients Correctly: Always add the wet ingredients first and then the dry ingredients on top. This helps prevent the yeast from activating too soon.
- Check Your Bread Machine Settings: Different machines may have varying settings, so make sure to select the appropriate cycle for white bread to achieve the perfect loaf.
- Cool Properly: After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and allows for a better crust.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Once you master the classic recipe, consider adding herbs, cheese, or seeds for a unique twist that suits your taste!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
