COUNTRY-STYLE WHITE BREAD

Country-Style White Bread image

The texture and flavor of this bread is outstanding. It's based on the recipe in the Panera Bread cookbook. It makes two loaves. I typically freeze one half of the dough to bake later in the week. This recipe represents the grains of the U.S. Midwestern states.

Provided by PanNan

Categories Yeast Breads

Time 2h25m

Yield 1 loaf, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

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Ingredients

1 cup warm water
1 teaspoon active dry yeast (or 2/3 tsp rapid rise yeast)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup warm water
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 1/3 tsp rapid rise yeast)
1/4 cup vegetable shortening, plus
1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt

Steps:

Make the starter:.
Using the starter ingredients listed above, combine water and yeast in medium bowl. Stir to dissolve yeast. Add flour and stir until thoroughly mixed. Cover with a cloth and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before using in the dough.
Make the dough:.
Using the dough ingredients listed above, combine the water, honey, and yeast in the bowl of a heavy duty stand mixer. Stir to mix thoroughly. Add shortening, flour, salt, and starter. Mix ingredients on low speed, with the mixer, until the dough is smooth and elastic (this usually takes me about 8 - 10 minutes). To test it for elasticity, I pinch off a piece of dough, and stretch it between both thumbs and my fingers into a square. If the center stretches and becomes thin (like a windowpane) it's perfect. If the dough breaks easily instead of stretching, it's not ready yet. When ready, remove dough from mixing bowl.
Divide the dough into two halves. Form each into a smooth ball. (You can wrap and freeze one of the loaves at this point.) Place the dough on the counter, or in a proofing basket, and cover with a warm, damp cloth. Rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Form the dough into a loaf shape (free form or use a loaf pan), and cover with a warm, damp cloth. Let rest another 30 minutes.
Baking the bread:.
Score the loaf (loaves) with a sharp knife. Spritz with some water and place in the pre-heated oven (if making a free form loaf, place on a preheated baking stone). Bake for 30 - 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the temperature in the middle of the loaf is about 195ºF. I use a digital probe thermometer to test the temperature.
Remove the bread from the oven and from the pan (if using one). Let cool about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 278.1, Fat 5.3, SaturatedFat 1.4, Sodium 584.3, Carbohydrate 50.4, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 4.5, Protein 6.6

*** Explore more Country-Style White Bread Recipes »

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Kaiolohia Luka

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This bread is amazing! I can't believe how easy it was to make. It's so soft and fluffy. I'll definitely be making this again.

Megi Stoyanova

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I'm so glad I found this recipe. I've been looking for a good white bread recipe for years. This one is definitely a keeper.

Driton Agushi

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This is the best white bread recipe I've ever tried. It's so easy to make and it always turns out perfect.

Phionah Kanshabe

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I love this recipe! The bread is so soft and fluffy. I've made it several times and it's always a success.

Olga Maxwell

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This bread is a game-changer. It's so delicious and versatile. I've used it for sandwiches, toast, and even French toast. It's always a hit.

Adeniji Kehinde

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I've tried a lot of white bread recipes, but this one is by far the best. It's so easy to make and it always turns out perfect.

Albert Jaimon

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This bread is amazing! It's so soft and fluffy, and it has a perfect crust. I'm definitely going to be making this again.

Nebu Nebu

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I'm so happy I found this recipe. I've been wanting to make my own white bread for a while now and this recipe was perfect. The bread turned out so soft and fluffy.

Lionel Koen

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This bread is delicious! I love the soft texture and the slightly sweet flavor. It's perfect for sandwiches or just eating on its own.

Jhupa Magar

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This is the best white bread recipe I've ever tried. It's so easy to make and it always turns out perfect. I've made it for my family and friends several times and they all love it.

Emily Swift

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I've made this bread several times and it's always a hit. It's so soft and fluffy, and the crust is perfect. I love using it for sandwiches and toast.