Making homemade bread is a rewarding and delicious experience. The aroma of freshly baked bread and the satisfaction of slicing a loaf you made yourself is hard to beat. Here is a recipe for a simple homemade white bread that is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)

Instructions:

1. Proof the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy. This means the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and the melted butter.
   • Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it is easier to work with.
4. First Rise:
   • Lightly grease a large bowl with butter or oil. Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
   • Place the shaped dough in a greased loaf pan.
6. Second Rise:
   • Cover the loaf pan with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes until it has doubled in size.
7. Preheat the Oven:
   • While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
   • Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the preheated oven.
   • Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
   • Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Enjoy!:
    • Once the bread has cooled, slice it and enjoy it with your favorite spreads, soups, or as a sandwich.

Tips for Success:

• Temperature Check: Ensure your water is warm but not too hot when proofing the yeast, as hot water can kill the yeast.
• Kneading: Kneading is essential for developing the gluten that gives bread its structure and texture.
• Rising: Make sure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free place for optimal results.
• Storing: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or breadbox to keep it fresh for a few days.

This recipe for homemade white bread is a great starting point for bakers of all levels and can be customized with whole wheat flour, seeds, or herbs for variety. Enjoy the process of making your own bread!