Soft and Fluffy White Bread - without Mixer

 Prep Time: 15 mins        Cook Time: 30 mins        Rising Time: 1hr 30 mins

Total Time: 2hrs 15 mins        Servings: 2 Loaves

1 2/3 cups lukewarm water, divided

2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (active dry yeast can be substituted)

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp honey

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed at room temp

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tbsp butter, melted for brushing

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl combine the instant yeast, sugar, and half of the lukewarm water. Let sit for 5-10 mins until foamy (15 mins if using active dry yeast).

2. Add remaining water, honey, salt, cubed butter, and 4 cups flour to the bowl. Knead until dough comes together and is soft but not sticky. Add a few more tablespoons of flour if necessary. Continue to knead for 10 mins until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is soft and smooth.

3. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and make sure that it is completely coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm and draft-free place for about 45mins or until doubled in size.

4. Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough onto it. Divide it into two equally sized portions. Use your fingers to gently pat each half into an 8X12 inch rectangle while pressing it all over to remove any air pockets. Starting at the short end, roll up the rectangle into a tight roll and pinch the seams to seal. Tuck the ends of the roll slightly under the roll to create some tension on the surface and place each loaf into a greased 8X4 inch loaf pan tucked ends and seam side down. Cover with a greased piece of plastic wrap let rise for about 45 mins in a warm and draft-free place until double in size.

5. Preheat oven to 390 degrees and adjust oven rack to lower-middle position.

6. Bake loaves for 25-30 mins until golden brown (and the loaf registers 208 to 210 degrees).

7. Invert bread onto a cooling rack. Reinvert loaves and brush tops and sides with melted butter. Let cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 1231KCAL     Carbohydrates: 227G     Protein: 31G     Saturated Fat: 11G

Cholesterol: 464MG    Sodium: 1259MG    Potassium: 344MG    Fiber: 9G

Sugar: 11G     Vitamin A: 535IU    Calcium: 48MG     Iron: 13.1MG