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Basic White Bread

A recipe for basic white bread using unbleached all-purpose flour and white whole wheat flour.

Course Bread
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Author Renee

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 4 1/2 to 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 packages active dry yeast 1/4 ounce each
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons shortening plus more for pans and bowl

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease two 9- X 5- or 8- X 4-inch loaf bread pans and set aside. Generously grease a large bowl and set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the white whole wheat flour, 1 cup of the all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine well. Set bowl on the stand mixer and attach the flat beater. In a small saucepan, heat the water, milk, and shortening until 120 to 130 degrees F (shortening does not need to melt). Add liquid to flour mixture. Blend on low speed until moistened and then increase speed to medium and beat 2 to 3 minutes. Replace flat beater with a dough hook. Turn mixer on low (first or second setting).
  3. Add all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup at a time letting it get incorporated into the dough after each addition, until the dough pulls away from and "cleans" the side of the bowl. It will also climb the dough hook. You want a firm dough. You may not use all the flour. Continue kneading with the dough hook for about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic. Place dough in the greased bowl and turn to grease top and sides of the dough. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and set in a warm place until light and doubled, about 1 hour.
  5. Punch down dough. Divide dough into 2 equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a 14- X 7-inch rectangle. Start with the shorter side and roll up tightly. Pinch edges and ends to seal. Place in the greased pans, seal side down. Cover with a tea towel and set in a warm place to rise until double.
  6. While the dough is on the 2nd rise, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Once the dough has finished the second rise, bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden or medium brown. Remove loaves from pans and cool completely on a rack. Slice and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

A recipe for basic white bread using unbleached all-purpose flour and white whole wheat flour.