Homemade Soft & Chewy White Bread
Homemade Soft & Chewy White Bread
Easy White Bread Recipe for Beginners | Using Bread Flour, Baking at Home, LG TurboWave Oven Tips
Hello everyone, it’s Superpower, your guide to the joy of baking! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe for ‘White Bread’ that perfectly captures that delightful bakery taste of soft, chewy goodness right in your own kitchen. This simple white bread, often just called ‘plain bread’, might just make you skip your next trip to the bakery! If you’re a fan of classic, wholesome loaves like baguettes or sandwich bread, you’re going to love this. This recipe is based on the excellent method by ‘Australia Guyver’, detailed step-by-step to make it super easy for anyone to follow. Let’s bake some delicious bread together!
Dough Ingredients- Salt 9g (approx. 1.5 tsp)
- Warm Water 240ml (approx. 1 cup)
- Instant Dry Yeast 6g (approx. 2 tsp)
- Bread Flour 720ml (approx. 4.5 cups)
- Vegetable Oil 3 Tbsp (or 30g unsalted butter, softened)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, in a clean mixing bowl, add the 9g of salt. Salt plays a crucial role in enhancing the bread’s flavor and regulating the yeast’s activity.
Step 2
Take the 240ml of water and warm it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. It should be lukewarm, comfortable to the touch, not hot. Pour the warmed water into the bowl with the salt and stir well until the salt is completely dissolved.
Step 3
Prepare your 6g of instant dry yeast. Add it directly to the bowl with the salted water. Be careful not to use water that’s too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
Step 4
Now, get your 720ml of bread flour ready. Start by adding just 240ml (about 1.5 cups) of the flour to the bowl. Gently mix it with a spatula or your hands until it’s roughly combined. The goal here is to just start incorporating the flour without overmixing.
Step 5
Next, add the 3 Tbsp of vegetable oil (or 30g of softened butter). Mix this into the dough until it’s evenly distributed. The oil or butter will contribute to the bread’s softness and flavor.
Step 6
Add another 240ml (about 1.5 cups) of bread flour to the bowl. Mix again until just combined. The dough might still seem a bit sticky at this stage.
Step 7
Finally, add the remaining 240ml (about 1.5 cups) of bread flour. This is where the kneading comes in! Knead the dough vigorously for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks excessively to your hands or the bowl. The key is to develop the gluten by stretching and folding the dough repeatedly until it springs back when gently poked. Shape the final dough into a smooth ball.
Step 8
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Place the bowl inside your LG TurboWave Oven (or any oven). Set the oven to its lowest temperature setting (around 40°C or 100°F) and run it for just 3 to 3.5 minutes. This gentle warmth helps to kickstart the proofing process without cooking the dough.
Step 9
With the oven door closed, let the dough proof inside the oven for 1 hour. The consistent, warm environment will encourage it to rise nicely.
Step 10
After 1 hour, carefully remove the bowl from the oven. You can check if it’s proofed by gently poking it; it should spring back slowly. Gently punch down the dough to release the trapped gases. Reshape it into a smooth ball. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the shaped dough onto it.
Step 11
Place the baking sheet with the dough back into the oven. This time, keep the oven off and let the dough undergo its second proof for 30 minutes. You’ll notice it puff up nicely.
Step 12
Once the second proof is complete, use a sharp knife or a lame to score the top of the dough with a cross shape. These cuts help control where the bread expands as it bakes, creating a beautiful crust.
Step 13
It’s baking time! Preheat your oven to 210°C (410°F). Bake the bread for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for another 20 minutes. The crust should turn a beautiful golden brown. (Note: If using an LG TurboWave Oven, you might need to adjust times and temperatures based on its specific settings. Consult your oven’s manual.)
Step 14
Voila! Your homemade, perfectly chewy White Bread (white bread) is ready! Slice it while it’s still warm for the most incredible flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious creation!
