How is white bread made?

* 4 cups (175g) all-purpose flour*

* 1 tablespoon (10g) granulated sugar*

* 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast*

* 2 1/4 teaspoons (11g) fine sea salt

* 1 3/4 cups (420g) warm water (110°F/43°C)*

*Adjustments will need to be made if using bread flour or high-protein flour; See Tip Section

Instructions:

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

2. Add the warm water and mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Grease a large bowl with cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over to coat in the grease. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a ball and place it in a greased 9-inch (23-cm) round loaf pan.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise (Proof)

1. Cover the pans with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the rim of the pans.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Remove the plastic wrap from the pans and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

2. Let the bread cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.