Easy Homemade White Bread

Update:  While this was my go-to basic white bread recipe for the longest time, I have since found an even better white bread recipe, Julia Child's white sandwich bread.  In fact, my search for the perfect white bread recipe is over.  Check it out!

While my family enjoys 100% whole wheat bread the most, I wanted to share a white bread recipe that is really good.  This recipe yields light, fluffy and moist bread that is simple and easy to work with.  You will not be disappointed.  

Ingredients:
Yields 1 loaf

• 1 c warm water
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 3 c bread flour 
• 1 tbsp sugar 
• 1/4 c vegetable oil 
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

Add the warm water to a large bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top.  Add the flour, sugar, vegetable oil and salt to the mixture.  Knead the dough, until smooth.  

Cover and allow the dough to rise in a dark, warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.  Punch down the dough.  Roll the dough over itself into an oblong-shaped loaf.  Place the dough in a lightly greased loaf pan.  Allow to rise uncovered until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.  Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife.

Preheat oven to 375.

Bake for 35 minutes, or until the temperature of the bread reaches 200 degrees.  (Pierce the underside of the bread with a meat thermometer for a temperature reading.  This will keep the steam from escaping while the bread cools.) 

Allow the bread to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy!