Fresh & fluffy homemade white bread is the perfect way to uplevel so many dishes!
Ingredients :
1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
¼ cup warm water (110°F, 43°C)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
2 cups milk *scalded, see notes
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter melted
6-6.5 cups all purpose flour
Directions :
Combine yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar together. Rest 10 minutes until foamy*.
In a large bowl combine cooled scalded milk (see notes), remaining sugar, salt, and butter.
Add 2 cups of flour to the milk mixture. Add the yeast mixture and mix well.
Continue adding flour to the mixture while stirring to make a dough that holds together and isn't sticky. You will need between 6 and 6 ½ cups of flour total.
Place the dough on a lightly floured counter and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and lightly cover with plastic wrap. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 60-70 minutes.
Punch the dough down and turn onto a cutting board. Divide the dough in half gently pat the dough into a rectangle about 8x12 inches. Roll the rectangle into an 8-inch log.
Place the dough seam side down into 2 greased (or parchment lined) 8x4 loaf pans. Let rise about 30-40 minutes until doubled (about 1 inch over the top of the loaf pan). Preheat the oven to 400°F while the dough is rising.
