Moist and Delicious White Bread

Makes 2 (9-inch) loaves

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Resting time 1 hour 40 minutes

Total 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4½ teaspoons instant yeast (two 0.25-ounce packets)
• ¾ cup + 2⅔ cups warm water (divided)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
• 9 to 10 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, stir to dissolve the yeast in ¾ cup warm water. Let sit 5 minutes. Add remaining 2⅔ cups water, sugar, salt, room temperature butter, and 5 cups of the flour and stir to combine.
2. Gradually add enough of remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Lightly grease top and turn it over so it is completely coated. Grease top again. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a draft-free place to rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Gently press it all over to remove any air pockets. Divide the dough in two loaves and place into greased loaf pans. Cover loosely and place in a draft-free area until doubled in size, 30 to 45 minutes.
5. Position an oven rack on the lowest setting and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
6. Brush the loaves with some of the melted butter. Bake the loaves for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with more melted butter. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the pans. Slice and serve bread warm with butter or honey butter. Save the rest in airtight container.