Homemade white bread

Homemade White Bread - a classic recipe, full of warmth and flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 slices

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread? This homemade white bread recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of magic to every day, especially on weekends or special occasions. Homemade bread is not just food, but a true tradition that brings us together and delights our senses. Whether you serve it with butter and jam, or as the perfect companion for soups and roasts, each slice will fill your heart with joy.

The basic ingredients for this recipe are simple, but together they create a symphony of textures and flavors. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of white wheat flour
- 60-80 g of sugar
- 15 g of salt
- 50 g of fresh yeast or 15 g of dry yeast
- 60 g of oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 3 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 500 ml of lukewarm water

Preparing the yeast:
1. Start by activating the yeast. If using fresh yeast, crumble 50 g of yeast and mix with 1/4 cup of lukewarm water (about 60 ml) and 2 tablespoons of sugar. If using dry yeast, simply mix it with the sugar and water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the essential step that will give life to your bread.

Preparing the dough:
2. In a deep bowl or food processor, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. By mixing the dry ingredients, you will ensure an even distribution of flavors in the dough.
3. Add the eggs and egg yolks to the flour mixture. These ingredients will provide richness and a fluffy texture to your bread. Mix well until a homogeneous mixture forms.
4. Add the activated yeast and the remaining lukewarm water. Mix everything well until you obtain a moist dough.

Kneading:
5. Finally, add the oil and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. If using a food processor, make sure to use a kneading attachment. The dough should become elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

Rising:
6. Place the dough in an oiled pot, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy bread.

Shaping and second rising:
7. After the dough has risen, knead it gently to release the air. Divide it into three equal parts. Each part can be divided again into two, then braid them like bagels. This technique not only looks good but also contributes to an interesting texture of the bread.

Brushing and sprinkling:
8. Mix an egg with a little salt and sugar and brush the bread with this mixture to give it a golden and shiny crust. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top, according to your preference. These seeds not only add a beautiful look but also a crunchy note.

Baking:
9. Place the bread in the prepared pan and let it rise for another 15 minutes. Then, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. The aroma that will fill your home during this time is simply unforgettable!

Serving:
10. Let the bread cool on a rack before slicing it. Now is the perfect time to enjoy a warm slice with butter or fresh cheese. Additionally, this white bread pairs wonderfully with soups, pasta, or even at a breakfast with jam.

Useful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can add dried herbs or spices to the dough for an extra flavor boost. Dried garlic or rosemary are excellent choices.
- The bread keeps well at room temperature, covered with a damp towel. You can also freeze it for later consumption.
- If you want a healthier version, you can combine white flour with whole wheat or rye flour.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why is it important to let the dough rise?
It is essential to allow the yeast to activate, resulting in fluffy and airy bread.

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Sure! You can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different.

- How do I know when the bread is baked?
A simple trick is to gently tap the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it's ready!

Homemade white bread is undoubtedly a classic dish that never goes out of style. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and every delicious slice! Whether you serve it at a festive meal or on ordinary days, this recipe will turn you into a master of homemade bread.

 Ingredients: 1kg/100g of flour, 60-80g of sugar, 15g of salt, 50g of fresh yeast or 15g of dry yeast, 60g of oil, 3 large eggs, 3 yolks, 500ml of water.