Chef John's White Bread

Chef John's homemade white bread recipe uses basic ingredients to create a delicious loaf of slightly sweet bread for any of your favorite sandwiches.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 211 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
• 2.75 cups all-purpose flour, or more as needed
• 1.25 cups whole milk, warmed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 3

Pour warm milk into a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Sprinkle yeast on top and let dissolve until a few small bubbles begin to a form, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4

Add 2 3/4 cups flour, softened butter, beaten egg, sugar, vinegar, salt, and baking soda. Knead on low speed until the dough begins to come together, adding up to 1/4 cup more flour if needed. Increase the speed slightly and knead for about 3 more minutes. Use a spatula to scrape the sides clean and gather the dough into the center. Cover and let rise until doubled in volume, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Step 5

Butter a spatula and a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Scrape the dough into the prepared loaf pan using the spatula. Smooth out the top to distribute the dough evenly. Dust the top with 1 tablespoon flour and press gently to even out the dough. Let rise in the pan for 30 minutes.

Step 6

Use a sharp knife or razor to cut a deep slash lengthwise through the center of the loaf; you may need to go over it several times. Brush the top with most of the melted butter.

Step 7

Remove from the oven and brush hot loaf with the remaining butter. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.