If you’re looking to make delicious homemade bread, the Basic White Bread Dough is a fantastic place to start. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a dough that’s perfect for sandwiches or toasting.
When it comes to the ingredients for the dough, freshness matters. Using high-quality dry yeast ensures a good rise while unbleached flour gives a lovely texture. If you’re avoiding gluten, you might want to experiment with gluten-free flour, but be aware that it can affect the texture. Always check for allergens if you’re serving others, ensuring everyone can enjoy the final product.
Bread & Rolls
Basic White Bread Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 3 1/2 cups unbleached flour, sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of dry yeast into a bowl with 1/2 cup of water, stir to dissolve, and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix 3 1/2 cups of sifted unbleached flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt together.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the dissolved yeast mixture.
- Form a paste and cover the bowl with a towel; let it sponge for 20 minutes until it’s frothy and expanded.
- Mix in the remaining 3/4 cup of water until you have a firm, moist dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean bowl and cover it with a dish towel; let it rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough gently and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a long loaf and place it onto a floured baking sheet; let it proof for 45 minutes.
- Slash the top of the loaf and bake it in a preheated oven at 425 degrees for 45 minutes or until it turns golden brown.