The Best Bake Classic White Bread – The Best Toast Bread Ever!

Looking for the perfect loaf of classic bread? Look no further! This recipe using active dry yeast, milk, sugar, and eggs is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its soft, chewy texture and golden crust, this bread is perfect for everything from sandwiches to French toast. Stay tuned for the full recipe and get ready to enjoy the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home!

There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked bread that fills your home with warmth and comfort. Making bread from scratch may seem intimidating at first, but with the right ingredients and recipe, it’s actually quite simple. Today, we’re sharing a classic bread recipe using active dry yeast as a leavening agent. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make homemade bread with a soft and fluffy texture. We’ll be using ingredients such as milk, sugar, salt, butter, eggs, and all-purpose flour to create a delicious loaf that is perfect for toasting, making sandwiches, or enjoying on its own. So, let’s get started and make some homemade bread!

The Best Bake – Best Toasting Bread Ever

Looking for the ultimate toast experience? Look no further than this homemade recipe for the best toasting bread ever! Made with only the finest ingredients and expertly crafted for maximum crispiness, this bread will take your toast game to the next level. Whether you like your toast lightly golden or deeply charred, this recipe has you covered. So grab your toaster and get ready for a slice of heaven!

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Ingredients

Bread

2 1/4 Tsp instant dry yeast (one packet) 7 grams
1 1/2 Cups lukewarm milk about 100 degrees F 368 grams
1/3 Cup granulated sugar 67 grams
1 Tblsp kosher salt 15 grams
3 Tblsp butter melted, more for greasing bowl and pans and for brushing the tops of the loaves 43 grams
2 Large eggs room temperature
5 Cups all-purpose flour 625 grams

Top

1 Egg white
1 Tbsp water
Melted butter

Instructions

Bread Machine Maker

In the bread machine bin, add ingredients as directed by the manufacture. Generally, this would be adding the liquids first with the salt and sugar, then topping with the flour and, lastly, the yeast.
Put the bread maker on the dough cycle. When the cycle is complete, turn out into the greased large bowl and follow the steps below starting at step #6.

By Hand or Stand Mixer

In a stand mixer bowl, add the warm milk, the sugar, salt, butter, and the eggs.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. The amount of flour needed may vary, so start with 5 cups and add more if necessary. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Switch to hook attachment and knead on low speed, adding more flour if necessary until dough is stiff and slightly tacky, about 10 minutes or turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
Grease a large bowl and turn dough out into the bowl. Flip over dough so greased side is up.
Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and set in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Generously butter two 9-x-5 loaf pans.
When dough has doubled in size, or if using the bread machine method and the dough cycle has completed, turn it out onto floured surface and knead for 7 minutes. Return to greased bowl, cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place them in greased 9×5 inch loaf pans.
Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise until dough is just above the tops of pans, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bake bread for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped, the tops are brown and the internal temperatures are 200 degrees. Remove loaves from pans and let cool on wire racks.

Notes

Here are some tips and tricks for making homemade classic bread:

Use the right flour: Bread flour, which is high in protein, is the best choice for making bread. It will give you a better texture and structure than all-purpose flour.
Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure the flour and water accurately. Bread baking is a science, and small variations in the amount of flour or water can affect the outcome.
Use fresh yeast: If you’re using fresh yeast, make sure it’s not expired. Expired yeast won’t give you the rise you need.
Use warm water: The water you use should be warm (around 105°F to 115°F), but not too hot. Hot water can kill the yeast.
Knead the dough well: Kneading helps to develop the gluten in the flour, which is what gives bread its structure and chewiness. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise in a warm place: Yeast needs a warm environment to grow. Place the dough in a warm, draft-free place for the first rise.
Punch down the dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air bubbles and redistribute the yeast.
Shape the dough: Shape the dough into the desired shape and let it rise again before baking.
Score the dough: Just before baking, use a sharp knife or razor blade to score the dough. This helps to release the steam and allows the bread to rise properly.
Bake at the right temperature: Bake the bread at 375°F to 425°F, depending on the recipe. The internal temperature of the bread should be around 190°F to 200°F when it’s done.
Let the bread cool: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This will help to prevent the bread from becoming gummy.

By following these tips and tricks, you should be able to make a delicious homemade classic bread. Enjoy!

Keyword bread, loaf, toast

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History:

The history of bread-making can be traced back to ancient times when people first started cultivating grains such as wheat and barley. Over time, bread-making techniques evolved and different types of bread emerged in different parts of the world. The classic bread recipe that uses active dry yeast as a leavening agent is a relatively modern invention.

In the late 19th century, commercial yeast became widely available, making it easier for home bakers to make bread that was light and fluffy. Before this time, bread was often made using sourdough, which was a natural leavening agent.

The classic bread recipe that we know today became popular in the early 20th century and is often associated with the rise of industrialization and mass production. The recipe is simple and requires basic ingredients that are readily available, making it easy for home bakers to make bread at home.

Today, the classic bread recipe remains a favorite among home bakers and is often adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. It is a versatile bread that can be used for sandwiches, toast, and other baked goods such as bread pudding and stuffing.

Nutritional Benefits:

The classic bread recipe using the given ingredients has several nutritional benefits, including:

Good source of carbohydrates: Bread is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body.
Source of protein: The bread recipe contains eggs, which are a good source of protein.
Source of fiber: The recipe contains all-purpose flour, which has some fiber content, and adding whole wheat flour would increase the fiber content.
Source of vitamins and minerals: The bread recipe contains milk, which is a good source of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Low in fat: The recipe contains only a small amount of fat from the butter, making it a low-fat option for those watching their fat intake.

Overall, this classic bread recipe can be part of a healthy and balanced diet when consumed in moderation and in combination with other nutrient-dense foods.

Nutritional Breakout:

Here is the nutritional breakdown for the classic bread recipe using the given ingredients, assuming that the recipe yields 16 slices of bread:

Serving size: 1 slice (based on 16 slices per loaf)

Calories: 162 Total fat: 3.7g Saturated fat: 2.1g Cholesterol: 30mg Sodium: 349mg Total carbohydrates: 28g Dietary fiber: 1g Total sugars: 5g Protein: 4g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and the serving size of the bread slices.

Superfood Qualities:

While the classic bread recipe using the given ingredients may not contain superfoods, it is still a nutritious food that provides several health benefits.

One superfood-like quality of this bread recipe is that it can be easily customized to include nutrient-dense ingredients, such as adding whole wheat flour or other whole grains to increase the fiber content.

Additionally, bread made from scratch without added preservatives or artificial ingredients is often considered healthier than store-bought bread, which may contain added sugars, preservatives, and other additives.

Furthermore, homemade bread can provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, which can have mental health benefits. Baking bread can also be a relaxing and therapeutic activity, which can help reduce stress levels.

Overall, while this classic bread recipe may not be a superfood on its own, it can be part of a healthy and balanced diet when consumed in moderation and in combination with other nutrient-dense foods.

Top Five Healthy Recipes:

The classic bread recipe using the given ingredients can be used in many different recipes. Here are a few ideas:

Toast with butter or jam: The classic bread recipe makes a great slice of toast that can be enjoyed with butter or your favorite jam or jelly.
Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic grilled cheese sandwich can be made using this bread recipe, with your choice of cheese and fillings.
French toast: This bread makes a perfect base for French toast. Dip slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then cook on a griddle or in a skillet until golden brown.
Bread pudding: This bread can be used to make a delicious bread pudding, which can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Croutons: Cut the bread into small cubes, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake in the oven until crispy. These homemade croutons can be used to top salads or soups.
Stuffing: This bread can also be used to make a flavorful stuffing for Thanksgiving or other holiday meals.

Overall, the classic bread recipe using the given ingredients is versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, making it a great staple for any kitchen.

Fun Facts:

The use of yeast as a leavening agent dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used to make bread.
The process of making bread from scratch is often referred to as “artisan breadmaking,” as it involves traditional techniques and natural ingredients.
In the United States, white bread became popular in the early 20th century as a symbol of modernity and progress, as it was associated with factory-made and processed foods.
The smell of baking bread has been found to have a calming effect on people, and it is sometimes used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety.
Breadmaking is a popular hobby, and there are many online communities and forums dedicated to sharing tips, recipes, and techniques for making homemade bread.
Bread has played an important role in many cultures and traditions throughout history, and is often used in religious ceremonies and rituals.
The act of kneading bread dough is not only important for developing the gluten in the dough, but it can also be a therapeutic and stress-relieving activity.
Overall, breadmaking has a rich history and culture, and the classic bread recipe using the given ingredients is just one example of the many variations and traditions associated with this beloved food.

Uses in Italy:

In Italy, the classic bread recipe using the given ingredients is often used as the base for many traditional dishes. One of the most well-known Italian bread dishes is bruschetta, which is made by toasting slices of bread and topping them with a variety of ingredients such as tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.

In addition to bruschetta, Italian bread is also used to make panini sandwiches, which are typically filled with cured meats, cheese, and vegetables. Another popular Italian dish that uses bread is ribollita, a hearty soup made with bread, vegetables, and beans.

In some regions of Italy, bread is also used in desserts. For example, in Tuscany, bread is used to make a traditional dessert called panzanella, which is a salad made with stale bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

Overall, the classic bread recipe using the given ingredients can be used in many ways in Italian cuisine, from savory dishes like panini and soup to sweet desserts like panzanella.

Uses in Poland:

In Poland, the classic bread recipe using the given ingredients is often used to make a traditional bread known as “chleb” or “chleb polski.” Polish bread is known for its thick crust and soft, chewy texture.

Polish bread is typically served with meals as a staple food, often used to make sandwiches or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. It is also commonly used to make traditional Polish dishes like pierogi, which are dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients such as potato, cheese, or meat.

One popular way to enjoy Polish bread is to slice it thickly and top it with butter and a sprinkle of salt. This simple preparation allows the flavor and texture of the bread to shine.

Another traditional Polish dish that uses bread is “zapiekanka,” which is a type of open-faced sandwich made by topping a halved loaf of bread with ingredients like cheese, mushrooms, and ham and baking it in the oven until golden brown.

Overall, the classic bread recipe using the given ingredients is an essential component of Polish cuisine, used in many traditional dishes and as a staple food in everyday meals.

Varieties:

There are several variations that can be applied to this classic bread recipe to add different flavors and textures to the bread. Here are some ideas:

Whole Wheat Bread – Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to make a healthier version of the bread.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread – Add 1-2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough before kneading to make a sweet and flavorful bread.
Herb Bread – Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough before kneading to give the bread a savory and aromatic flavor.
Cheesy Bread – Add 1-2 cups of grated cheddar cheese to the dough before kneading to make a delicious cheesy bread.
Honey Wheat Bread – Replace the granulated sugar with honey and use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour to create a sweet and nutty bread.
Garlic Bread – Add 1-2 tablespoons of garlic powder or minced garlic to the dough before kneading to make a savory and aromatic bread.
Seeded Bread – Add 1/2 cup of your favorite seeds such as sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or pumpkin seeds to the dough before kneading to give the bread a nutty and crunchy texture.

These are just a few ideas for variations that can be applied to this classic bread recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique bread recipe.

Humor:

What did one slice of bread say to the other slice at the bakery?

“Hey, we’re on a roll!”

“Bread is the warmest, kindest of words. Write it always with a capital letter, like your own name.”

– Mikhail Bulgakov

The Best Bake Classic Bread Recipe