A delightful homemade white bread recipe that is soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Add the warm water, salt, softened butter, honey, all-purpose flour, powdered milk, sugar, and instant yeast into the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
Ensure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively.
Select the dough cycle on your bread machine and start it.
Check the dough after a few minutes of mixing to ensure it forms a smooth ball. Add a little water or flour if needed.
Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough and place it on a floured surface.
Handle the dough gently to maintain its airy texture.
Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan.
Use a light touch to shape the dough to avoid deflating it.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth to prevent the dough from drying out.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the bread inside for even baking.
Bake the bread on the center rack for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Allowing the bread to cool completely ensures clean slices and prevents it from becoming gummy.