4h Winning White Bread (Non Bread Machine)

⏱ 180 mins 🍽 2 loafs 🏷 Yeast Breads

This is a cherished, time-tested recipe for classic white bread, originally from a 4H competition. It is a handmade method that predates bread machines and is known for its consistent, successful results. The process involves mixing a yeast dough, kneading it until smooth, and allowing it to rise twice before baking. The result is a soft and flavourful loaf, perfect for sandwiches or toast. The recipe makes two loaves.

4h Winning White Bread (Non Bread Machine)

Ingredients

  • 5 1/2-6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (bread flour won't work)
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 (1/4 ounce) package dry active yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons margarine (I use unsalted butter)

Method

  1. Combine 2 cups of flour with the sugar, salt and dry yeast in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Warm the water, milk and margarine together in a saucepan over low heat until the liquids are warm.
  3. Add the warm liquid mixture gradually to the dry ingredients and beat for 2 minutes with a mixer on medium speed, scraping the bowl.
  4. Mix in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turn it over, cover it and leave to rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
  7. Punch the dough down, turn it out onto a floured board, cover it and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  8. Split the dough into two equal pieces.
  9. Shape each piece into a loaf and place them into greased 8 1/3 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pans.
  10. Cover the pans and let the dough rise again in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  11. Bake the loaves in a 400F oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
  12. Take the bread from the pans and cool it completely on a wire rack.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium2569000 mg

Recipe details

CategoryYeast Breads
AuthorRoger-OH