Thursday, January 20, 2011

Country White Bread

This bread is a classic light bread, perfect to add to any meal or use for sandwiches. The addition of eggs, honey, and oil make this bread a bit richer than some doughs.. The dough can also be used to make cinnamon raisin bread or cinnamon rolls. 


We like whole grains and prefer to add some whole wheat flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour.

2 T yeast
2 cups warm water
1/4 cup honey or sugar
1 T salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil or soft butter
6 1/2 to 7 cup all-purpose flour

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add honey, salt, eggs, oil, and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in just enough flour to form a soft dough. 

Turn dough onto an oiled surface and knead until smooth, about 6-8 minutes. (If your mixer has a kneading hook, you may machine knead for five minutes.) Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.  Punch dough down. Divide and shape into three loaves. Place in loaf pans.

Let rise until doubled. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Remove from pans and cool.

If you wish, brush some butter on top while still warm. Try to let it cool before eating!

41 comments :

  1. I am going to give this a try. I have never made bread with eggs before, but have made a lot of pasta dough and it uses eggs!! tell you how it turns out.

    Marlyn

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  2. This is perfect! Hubs insists on that store-bought white bread for his French toast. I might even slowly cut in some whole wheat flour. But he's becoming more cost-conscious now that our salary will be cut almost 20% due to the recession. He may be ready for homemade now!! ~Liz

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  3. Hello once again I have a question regarding bread. I see in this bread you use egg but in the miricle bread you don't. So what difference does the egg make in the texture or taste of the bread?
    Anita

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  4. Your breads are always so beautiful. I can't wait to try this one.

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  5. Okay......Now I think I might have to make some bread this afternoon. That just looks too yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe. :)

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  6. So glad that so many of you are trying these recipes. I'm also thankful for your questions. It helps me realize how much more I have to learn about bread making!

    Anita -
    Eggs contain lecithin and protein. Eggs can be an advantage if you are working with a low protein flour. I think they help make a softer bread - more like a store bought loaf. Most commercial breads contain added lecithin. I only use eggs in moderation, 1 or 2. Eggs can make bread dry out faster. The Jewish challah bread usually contains LOTS of eggs and is best the day it is made. After the first day, it is rather dry but it makes wonderful french toast.

    But that is my thoughts on eggs in bread. I should do some more research. Any of you have more information to share?
    Gina

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  7. Gina,
    I tried your bread today and it turned out great! I would be one of those people who cannot seem to bake (anything) bread very well. This turned out good.

    Thanks for sharing and taking us um... less experianced bakers along for the ride!

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  8. Your bread is very pretty
    and your recipe is almost the same the bread my Grandpa taught me bake, he was born in 1893 and took over his family's baking as a young boy. Your recipe uses more yeast than mine and mine does not use eggs.
    We used to eat some store bought bread, but I don't know what the manufacturers do to it now, but I have not eaten any factory bread that tastes good any more.
    So I'll be baking our bread, just like you.

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  9. Do you grease your pans before you put the dough in them? I have always greased my pans but you don't mention this so I thought I would check.

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  10. Freedom Acres Farm -
    I do grease my pans! Thanks for asking!
    Gina

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  11. In response to questions about how much whole wheat flour to substitute with white flour. I have used half whole wheat flour with no significant difference. But then we like whole grains, if you are not accustomed to them, you may find it different.

    When adding whole wheat flour, you may need to use just slightly less flour. Whole grains absorb more flour and can taste more dry if too much flour is added.

    Hope that helps answer your questions!
    Gina

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  12. Thanks so much for doing the postings about bread making. My 16 year old daughter and I are working through them together and have had great results. She also says that she will never make any cookies other than your Monster Cookies, because they are so good.

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  13. Susan -
    I can't tell you how encouraging your comment was to me. To know that these recipes are being used by a mom and daughter together just made my day. Thanks so much!
    Gina

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  14. Gina,
    What would the measurements be for cinnamon raisin in this recipe? I made this recipe last week and my family loved it...even with the whole wheat I snuck in ;-) I enjoy your blog so much...thank you.
    Amy

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  15. Amy -
    I never measure, but maybe next time I'll try to get some measurements to add to the recipe.

    I usually roll out the dough thinly, sprinkle with cinnamon or cinnamon sugar and raisins, then roll up the dough and place in a greased pan.

    Hope that makes sense!
    Gina

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  16. Hi Gina, thank you so much, I made this bread today and we love it. All that you do is so greatly appreciated, thank you for sharing your knowledge.
    CHEERS, have a great day
    Sylvie

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  17. I have a question about the measurement of flour in the recipe. It lists 6 1/2-7 cups, but later in the directions it says to add 3 cups of flour. What about the remaining 3-3 1/2 cups?
    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. The remaining flour is stirred in just until you have a soft dough. That amount can vary, which is why in the ingredient list, there is a varying amount.

      Happy Baking!
      Gina

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  18. I stumbled upon your blog while searching for a different bread recipe to try yesterday, and I am hooked. This recipe turned out perfect. I have been looking at your other recipes and i'm like a kid in a candy store and want to try them all!! my husbands tummy will be so pleased ;)

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  19. Can u use recipe in a bread machine?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you can. I have never tried it since I don't have a bread machine but I understand that it does work.
      Gina

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  20. My bread turned out tasty but still quite doughy in the middle...any suggestions? I'm new to bread baking and had great success with miracle bread, so I moved on to this one. I didn't want to bake longer because the top was quite brown already.

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    Replies
    1. This happens to me sometimes too - and it means that I have not baked it long enough. I often get scared that my bread is getting too dark - but I just need to let it in longer so that the center gets baked.
      Gina

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  21. This is so much like my recipe. I use it for bread, rolls, and for my homemade cinnamon rolls also. So yummy!

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  22. This looks delicious! I made your hot pockets and miracle bread today and they were a huge success with my 4 kids and us parents! I've just found your blog and am thoroughly enjoying it. Many blessings from Australia.

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  23. Hmm, is it 3 cups of flour or 6-7???? Quite confused at how many people claimed to have tried this, but never questioned this error!

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    Replies
    1. Sorry for the confusion. Three cups of flour are added in the first mixing. Then the remaining three or four cups of flour are added as needed to make a soft dough. The exact measurement of flour needed will depend upon your kind of flour, as well as other factors.
      Gina

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    2. Thanks for clearing that up, and I have one more question, is the 'T' tablespoon or teaspoon?

      Delete
    3. Jackie-
      I use a capital "T" for tablespoon.
      Gina

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  24. Gina,
    I love this recipe. I used it last time to make cabbage burgers. After baking ,we ate what we wanted then I froze the rest. They were delicious even when reheated from frozen. Thanks for a great recipe!

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  25. Just made this bread! Turned out great! Very thick bread and moist. I've made several breads before this and I must say this one is probably the best one for sandwich making and toasting, definitely stays together! Will be making again!

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  26. I love your bread recipe. It is by far the best one I have tried over the years. I love baking it is so relaxing. Thank you

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  27. I actually have a question. Now I've been baking bread from scratch off and on for 18 years now. But I'm always looking for new bread recipes! Anyway, I noticed that in your instructions after the soft dough is made, you turn in onto an oiled surface? Is that a typo? Most times you turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. This is the first time I've seen someone wanting an oiled surface for needing dough.

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    Replies
    1. I prefer to use an oiled counter instead of a floured counter so that the dough doesn't become more dry. It is just my preference. Try it and see which you like best.
      Gina

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  28. Gina, I just made your bread and it is wonderful! My only question is: I made the dough in my Kitchen Aid mixer with the bread hook...I used all 7 cups of the flour and the dough still did not form into a ball but was a sticky glob. I did knead it in the machine for quite a while. Should I have added more flour? I used all white all-purpose flour, the honey and used 1-1/2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of milk to make the 2 cups liquid.

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    Replies
    1. You may have needed to add more flour. The amount of flour needed can vary because of the type of flour, the age of the flour, the humidity in your kitchen and other causes.
      Gina

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  29. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. I will try a little more flour next time if same thing happens. God bless you and your family.

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  30. I searched and searched for a good, light, white bread recipe. I have 4 loaves in my freezer for stuffing and or bread pudding. Today, I came across your page and gave your recipe a try. Oh my! This is the very best bread I have ever made! I have been reading and reading all the wonderful tips and recipes you have. Thank you SO much for sharing your knowledge and wonderful recipes! Blessings to you and your beautiful family.

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  31. Gina Kipybida WagnerNovember 14, 2020 at 8:57 AM

    What pan size did you use? I have cast iron 8 by 4 inch and other metal pans 9 by 5. This will be my first time making it and I want to do everything right. Thank you

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    Replies
    1. I use 8 x 4 but a larger pan will work as well.
      Gina

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  32. Still making this recipe and many others that you have shared. Grateful for this blog

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