Name: Homemade White Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 2 tsp caster sugar; 425ml (15fl oz) warm water; 2½ tsp dried yeast (or 20g/¾oz fresh yeast); 750g (1lb 9oz) strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting; 2 tsp salt; 40g (1½oz) butter (or 4 tbsp olive oil for dairy-free); Vegetable oil, for greasing; 1 free-range egg, beaten (for glazing); Poppy or sesame seeds (optional)

Homemade White Bread

Author: belhas.jalil Cooking Method:Baking Cuisine:Classic Courses:Baking Recipe Keys: Dairy-Free P Pregnancy-Friendly Vegetarian

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: 40 minutesTotal time: minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:300 kcal Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

A Soft & Fluffy Loaf with a Golden Crust
This homemade white bread recipe is incredibly versatile—perfect for sandwich loaves, dinner rolls, or rustic hand-shaped bread. You can top it with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or leave it plain for a classic finish.

Ingredients

2 tsp caster sugar
425ml (15fl oz) warm water
2½ tsp dried yeast (or 20g/¾oz fresh yeast)
750g (1lb 9oz) strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
2 tsp salt
40g (1½oz) butter (or 4 tbsp olive oil for dairy-free)
Vegetable oil, for greasing
1 free-range egg, beaten (for glazing)
Poppy or sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

In a measuring jug, mix sugar, 150ml (5fl oz) of warm water, and yeast. Let it sit in a warm place for 5 minutes until frothy. (Skip this step for fast-acting yeast.)
In a large bowl, sift together flour and salt. Rub in butter or, if using olive oil, mix it with the remaining warm water. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and most of the remaining warm water. Mix until a loose dough forms, adding more water if necessary.
Knead for 10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling film.
Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (this can take 2–3 hours).
Once risen, knock back the dough and knead for another 2–3 minutes.
Let it rest for 10 minutes, then shape into loaves or rolls.
Place the shaped dough on a baking tray, cover with a tea towel, and leave to rise for 20–30 minutes until doubled in size. It should leave a dent when gently pressed.
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F/Gas 7).
Gently brush with egg wash and sprinkle with seeds (if using), or dust with flour for a rustic look.
Reduce the heat to 200°C (400°F/Gas 6) after 15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool before slicing.

Notes

This bread is freezer-friendly! Store slices in an airtight bag and toast when needed for fresh-tasting bread anytime.

Keywords:White Bread, recipe, breakfast boost, bread recipes

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