Old Fashioned White Bread

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Old Fashioned White Bread.

1. Step 1

   Start by pouring the milk into a heatproof bowl. Gently warm it in the microwave on the Low setting until it reaches about 100°F (38°C), which should take around 15 seconds. This warm milk is essential for activating the yeast, so be careful not to overheat it!

2. Step 2

   Next, stir in the white sugar and honey until they dissolve completely. Then, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 15 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it forms a creamy layer on top, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.

3. Step 3

   In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, combine 4 cups of bread flour with the salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix on low speed using a paddle attachment until everything is well combined, which should take about a minute. The dough will be quite wet at this stage, but that's perfectly normal!

4. Step 4

   Now, add the softened butter to the mixture. Gradually incorporate the remaining 2 cups of bread flour, or as much as needed, until the dough starts to come together into a ball. Once it does, switch the paddle attachment for a dough hook and knead the dough on medium speed for about 4 minutes, until it becomes smooth and springy.

5. Step 5

   Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and knead it by hand until you notice the surface starting to break during the folding process. This should take just a few minutes. Once it's ready, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly floured large bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and set it in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, which will take about an hour.

6. Step 6

   While the dough is rising, prepare your loaf pans by spraying two 9x5-inch pans with cooking spray. This will help the bread release easily once it's baked.

7. Step 7

   After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and knead for another 2 minutes. Divide the dough in half with a sharp knife and shape each half into logs. Place the logs into the prepared pans, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise again in a warm place until they double in size, which should take about another hour.

8. Step 8

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the loaves have risen, place them in the preheated oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped, which will take about 25 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible!

9. Step 9

   Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Then, turn them out onto the racks to cool completely. Cover the loaves with a kitchen towel as they cool to keep them soft.