White Toast

A Guide to Making Classic White Bread Loaf

Making a soft, fluffy white loaf at home is simpler than it seems. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started.

Ingredients: You’ll need 500g all-purpose flour, 7g active dry yeast, 10g salt, 30g sugar, 1 large egg, 40g melted butter, and 300ml warm milk (around 35°C).

Steps:

1. Activate yeast: Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. Combine dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead: Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 8 minutes.

4. First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape: Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9x5 inch bread pan.

6. Second rise: Cover and let rise again for 45-60 minutes, until the dough rises above the pan rim.

7. Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips: For extra softness, brush the top with melted butter after baking. Experiment with adding herbs, cheese, or raisins for variety. Enjoy your homemade white toast with butter, jam, or as a sandwich base!