Homemade Country White Bread

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Homemade Country White Bread is an absolute classic, bringing nostalgia and warmth to every meal. Whether you slather it with butter, use it for sandwiches, or enjoy it fresh out of the oven, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share a simple yet satisfying recipe that will have you baking like a pro in no time.

Top Reasons to Make Homemade Country White Bread

Making your own bread is not only rewarding, but it also provides several benefits:

• Freshness: Nothing compares to the taste of bread just out of the oven.
• Control over Ingredients: You can choose high-quality ingredients and avoid preservatives.
• Cost-Effective: Homemade bread is often cheaper than store-bought, especially for artisanal loaves.
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Therapeutic Experience: The process of kneading and shaping the dough can be incredibly satisfying.

Gather These Ingredients

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons instant yeast: This helps the bread rise quickly.
• 2 cups warm water: Divided; ensures yeast activation.
• 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in browning.
• 1 tablespoon Kosher salt: Enhances flavor.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Cubed and at room temperature for a rich flavor.
• 9 to 10 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our bread – you may need to adjust based on humidity.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted, for brushing on top of the bread.

Equipment & Tools

Having the right equipment will make your bread-making journey smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or dough scraper: To mix and knead the dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
• Kitchen scale (optional): For precise measurements, especially for flour.
• Loaf pans: To shape your bread as it bakes.
• Clean kitchen towel: For covering the dough while it rises.
• Oven: Preheated and ready for baking!

From Start to Finish: Homemade Country White Bread

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Follow these steps to create your own Homemade Country White Bread.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) and the 4 teaspoons of instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 9 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt. This ensures that the sugar and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Once the yeast is activated, add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture gradually. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4: Add Butter

Add the 3 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter to the dough. Continue mixing until the butter is incorporated and the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7: Shape the Loaves

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into greased loaf pans.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the loaves with the kitchen towel again and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until they have risen above the edges of the pans.

Step 9: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your loaves will bake evenly.

Step 10: Bake the Bread

Once the dough has risen, brush the tops with the melted unsalted butter. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy your Homemade Country White Bread!

Substitutions by Category

If you need to make some adjustments, here are some substitutions you can consider:

• Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier loaf; just start with 5 cups and gradually add more.
• Butter: Coconut oil or vegetable oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option.
• Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used as natural sweeteners, but reduce the liquid by a tablespoon or two.
• Salt: Sea salt can be used in place of Kosher salt, but adjust the amount to taste.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

While making Homemade Country White Bread is straightforward, some common pitfalls can occur. Here are tips to avoid them:

• Dry Bread: Ensure you add enough water to keep the dough hydrated but not too sticky.
• Dense Loaf: Make sure your yeast is fresh and properly activated before mixing.
• Overproofing: Keep an eye on the dough during the rising process; if it rises too much, it can collapse.
• Uneven Baking: Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even browning.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To enjoy your Homemade Country White Bread even longer, here are some storage tips:

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Reader Q&A

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture. Just be aware that you may need to adjust the water slightly, as bread flour absorbs more moisture.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough hasn’t risen, it could be due to inactive yeast or too cool of an environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh, and try placing the dough in a warmer spot next time.

How do I know when my bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. A kitchen thermometer can also help; the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).

Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or spices such as garlic powder for additional flavor. Just mix them in with the dry ingredients for even distribution.

Before You Go

Baking your own Homemade Country White Bread is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas and your belly with comfort. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with breakfast or using it to make the perfect sandwich, this bread will quickly become a favorite. With the right ingredients, a bit of patience, and a dash of love, you’ll find that nothing beats the taste of homemade bread. Happy baking!