Homemade Bread

Story behind the recipe

“Look no further for the BEST and simplest homemade Bread recipe made with just six simple pantry ingredients! It's the perfect white bread for sandwiches and it freezes well too!”

Ingredients

• 2 cupswarm water (105-115 degrees)
• 1 tablespoonactive dry yeast
• 1/4 cuphoney or sugar
• 2 teaspoonssalt
• 2 tablespoonscanola or vegetable oil
• 4-5.5 cupsall-purpose or bread flour

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl or stand mixer add the yeast, water and a pinch of the sugar or honey. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes until foaming and bubbly.

2. 2

   Add remaining sugar or honey, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix to combine.

3. 3

   Add another cup of flour and mix to combine. With the mixer running add more flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be smooth and elastic, and slightly stick to a clean finger, but not be overly sticky. Add a little more flour if needed.

4. 4

   Knead the dough for 4-5 minutes on medium speed (or knead with your hands on a lightly floured surface for 5-8 minutes).

5. 5

   Grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray and place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a dish towel or plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.

6. 6

   Spray two 9x5 inch bread pans generously with cooking spray on all sides.

7. 7

   Punch the dough down well to remove air bubbles. Divide into two equal portions. Shape each ball into long logs and place into the greased loaf pans.

8. 8

   Cover pans with a lightweight dry dish towel or greased plastic wrap and allow dough to rise again for about 45 minutes to one hour, or until risen about 1 inch above the loaf pans. Gently remove covering.

9. 9

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake bread for about 30-33 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Give the top of a loaf a gentle tap; it should sound hollow.

10. 10

    Invert the loaves onto a wire cooling rack. Brush the tops with butter and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Substitutions