Best White Bread from Scratch

🍞 Best White Bread from Scratch
🧾 Ingredients:
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1 ½ tsp salt
1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (not hot)
¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
2 tbsp butter (softened) or oil
👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast
   In a bowl, mix warm water + sugar + yeast
   Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy
2. Make the dough
   Add warm milk, butter, and salt
   Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms
3. Knead
   Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic
   (Add a little flour if too sticky, but don’t overdo it)
4. First rise
   Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl
   Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size
5. Shape
   Punch down the dough
   Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan
6. Second rise
   Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes
7. Bake
   Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes
   Top should be golden brown
8. Cool
   Remove from pan and let cool before slicing
   💡 Tips:
   Brush top with butter after baking for a soft crust
   Tap the bottom—if it sounds hollow, it’s done
   You can replace part of the flour with whole wheat for a healthier version