Traditional White Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and butter until combined.
2. Gradually add the warm water, stirring constantly until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Punch the dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a loaf and place into a lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
6. Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
8. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• White bread is the most popular bread in the United States.
• White bread can be made with a variety of flours, including all-purpose, bread flour, and cake flour.
• The texture of white bread is determined by the amount of gluten in the dough.