Illegate Est. 2025
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FROM THE KITCHEN
★ House Favorite

Very Simple White Bread

A straightforward homemade white bread with a soft crumb and golden crust. No fancy ingredients, just a dependable two-loaf bread recipe.

Prep25 minutes Cook25–28 minutes Rest2 hours 45 minutes Serves2 DifficultyEasy
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HOUSE RECIPE

Make it.

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Ingredients

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp shorting
  • 1/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 2 packets Yeast

Method

  1. In a ramekin, small bowl, or coffee cup, combine the yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 cup lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 5–8 minutes, until the yeast is foamy and active.
  2. Scald the milk by heating it until it is just below a boil. You should see small bubbles beginning to form around the edge of the pan. Alternatively, heat the milk in the microwave for about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the shortening to the hot milk and allow it to partially melt.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 1/2 cups flour, the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and the salt. Mix lightly by hand.
  5. Slowly pour the warm milk and shortening mixture around the outside of the dry ingredients. Add the proofed yeast mixture.
  6. Mix with a rubber spatula until a thick dough forms and all of the dry ingredients are incorporated. The dough will still be fairly sticky at this point.
  7. Pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour onto a clean work surface. Turn the dough out into the center of the flour. Dust some of the surrounding flour over the dough to make it easier to handle.
  8. Knead well, gradually incorporating the remaining flour, until the dough becomes smooth and is no longer very sticky.
  9. Place the dough into a large, well-greased bowl and cover. Let rise for 1 1/2 hours, or until at least doubled in size.
  10. Remove the dough from the bowl, punch it down, and knead for about 4–5 minutes. Return it to the bowl, cover, and let rise for another 45 minutes.
  11. Punch the dough down again and knead for about 5 minutes.
  12. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place into two well-greased loaf pans. Alternatively, shape into two round free-form loaves and place on a baking sheet. For free-form loaves, cut a single slash or an X in the top with a sharp knife.
  13. Cover and allow the loaves to rise for 30 minutes.
  14. During the final rise, preheat the oven to 400°F.
  15. Bake for 25–28 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.