Chef John's White Bread

4.8
(36)
32 Reviews
17 Photos

White bread is buttery and slightly sweet with a neutral flavor that lets the sandwich ingredients shine. I mostly eat whole wheat bread, but I occasionally indulge in some white. Whether you’re a nostalgic baby boomer like I am, or just a curious millennial wondering what classic white bread should taste like, I really do hope you give this a try soon.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on March 16, 2024
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
3 hrs 20 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
10
Yield:
1 9x5-inch loaf
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings

  • 1 ¼ cups whole milk, warmed

  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

  • 2 ¾ to 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3 tablespoons very soft unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1 tablespoon white sugar

  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon fine salt

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter, divided

Directions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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

  5. 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.

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

  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.

Recipe Tip

In Step 5, feel free to brush the top with milk or egg wash instead of melted butter.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

211 Calories
8g Fat
30g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 211
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 37mg 12%
Sodium 301mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 6g 11%
Calcium 45mg 3%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 104mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.