White Bread (Texas BBQ Style)

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread filling the kitchen. This recipe makes two soft, buttery loaves with the perfect balance of chew and fluff — simple ingredients, honest work, and a result that’ll make you wonder why you ever bought bread from the store.

Ingredients:

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups tempered water (warm, not hot)

• 1 tbsp active dry yeast

• ⅓ cup honey

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for brushing pans and tops)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a large bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Stir gently, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it turns frothy and bubbly.

2. Make the Dough:
   Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir or mix until a smooth dough forms and no dry flour remains.

3. First Proof:
   Transfer the dough into a buttered or greased bowl. Cover it and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Loaves:
   After proofing, gently press out the air and do one round of stretch and folds. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a loaf. Place them into two greased loaf pans.

5. Second Proof:
   Cover loosely and let the dough rise again until it reaches about an inch above the rim of the pans — roughly 30–45 minutes.

6. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20 minutes, then check the color. Once lightly golden, brush the tops with melted butter and return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.

7. Cool & Serve:
   Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack. Slice for sandwiches, toast, or just tear into it while it’s still warm — no judgment here.

Tip:
Brush the tops with butter right after baking for that perfect soft crust and rich flavor.