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Classic Homemade Country White Bread photo

Homemade Country White Bread

This Homemade Country White Bread is a classic! Perfectly soft and flavorful, it's the ultimate comfort food for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 cups warm water divided
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed and at room temperature
  • 9 to 10 cups all-purpose flour adjust based on humidity
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for brushing on top

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or dough scraper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen scale (optional)
  • Loaf pans
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water and the 4 teaspoons of instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 9 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the 3 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter to the dough. Continue mixing until the butter is incorporated.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  6. 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.
  7. After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and shape each into a loaf.
  8. 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.
  9. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. 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.
  11. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze the loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
  • Reheat by thawing at room temperature and warming in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.