Ever since I made Pumpkin Cheese Bread that turned out so light and moist I have been on a quest to find a soft white bread recipe.
When I found this bread recipe in an older Betty Crocker Cookbook I decided to give it a try although I’m not sure that the recipe is as important at technique when it comes to bread making. I defied the recipes instructions and made the bread based on a few techniques that have worked well for me in the past.
1.) I used as little flour as I possibly could. I prefer the dough be a little sticky prior to, and during the first kneading.
2.) I tried to avoid overworking the dough. I mixed by hand, and didn’t knead bread for an extended period of time. This recipe advised to knead it for 10 minutes (prior to the first rising) – I kneaded it for about 5 minutes.
3.) When I punched the dough down (after the first rising) I briefly kneaded the dough to get the air bubbles out and then formed into loaves. This recipe called for dividing the dough into halves and rolling each half into a 18×9 inch rectangle.
4.) I baked it in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes. Not a 425 degree oven for 30-35 as this recipe called for.
Recipe
2 tbsp. yeast
3/4 c. warm water (105 – 115 degrees)
2 2/3 c. warm water
1/4 c. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
3 tbsp. margarine, melted
6 1/2 c. flour – plus additional flour for kneading
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in 3/4 c. of warm water. Stir in remaining ingredients. Add the 6 1/2 cups of flour to stiffen the dough but leave it slightly sticky. Mix thoroughly. If you feel it’s necessary to add more flour, do so gradually.
On a lightly floured surface knead bread until it forms a nice round ball and is no longer sticky (about 3-4 minutes). Place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled – about 1 hr.
Punch down and knead briefly to remove air bubbles (about 2 minutes), shape into loaves. In this case I split the dough so I could make an 8×8 inch pan of cinnamon rolls and got one large and one medium-sized loaf of bread.
Let the loaves rise until doubled – about 1 hr. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped. Brush with the tops with softened margarine or butter.
This bread turned out super soft and moist just as I had hoped for.
Do you like making bread? Do you have any bread making tips?
THE JOY OF CAKING 
How many loaves would this make (strictly loaves)? I’m wondering about halving the recipe but I want to know how many loaves this is starting from first. Thank you! This looks great and I appreciate your insights (lower temp, less kneading)!
Hi Lynnsey, To be honest, I’m not sure about the number of loaves you’d get if you cut this in half. Some of the reason has to do with the size of the pans you use. I guess I should have payed closer attention. Sorry 😦
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I’ve never made bread but I’d like to do it someday! What better time than the present 🙂 it looks really good.
You absolutely nailed this one!
I usually bake my bread at a lower temperature, too. The higher heat makes the bread too dark and the crust too tough for my liking. Your loaves look really nice!
I totally agree with you Kristen.
I love homemade bread-it feels like such a luxury. When I was a kid my tutor would make bread and give me a hot slice with butter…hmmmm.
I love fresh bread! Great tips for making bread.