Mary Berry White Bread Recipe

The Mary Berry White Bread Recipe is a classic and reliable way to create a perfectly soft and fluffy white loaf with a crispy golden crust. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply served with butter, this bread is a household favorite for its simplicity and great taste. With only a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. In about 3 hours, you’ll have a warm loaf ready to serve!

Mary Berry White Bread

Mary Berry White Bread is a traditional white loaf made with strong white flour, yeast, and water. It yields a light and fluffy interior with a golden, crunchy crust. Known for its simplicity and ease of preparation, this bread is a staple in British households and pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory toppings.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Raspberry Buns
• Mary Berry Coconut Buns
• Mary Berry Chelsea Buns

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Classic and Simple: A time-tested recipe that is easy to make and delivers consistent results.
• Fluffy and Light: The soft, airy texture makes it perfect for sandwiches or toast.
• Versatile: Use it for everything from breakfast toast to lunchtime sandwiches.
• Easy Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, yeast, and water.
• Golden Crust: The perfect crisp crust gives this bread an appealing texture.
• Budget-Friendly: Homemade bread for a fraction of the cost of store-bought loaves.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry White Bread

To make one loaf of Mary Berry White Bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 500g (4 cups) strong white bread flour: The base for structure and elasticity.
• 7g (1 packet) fast-action dried yeast: Helps the bread rise and gives it volume.
• 10g (2 tsp) salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) lukewarm water: Activates the yeast and helps combine the ingredients.
• 25g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mary Berry White Bread

Follow these easy steps to bake a delicious loaf of Mary Berry White Bread:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and add 7g yeast and 10g salt. Stir to combine.
• Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour in the lukewarm water and melted butter.
• Mix together using a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using an electric mixer with a dough hook, knead for 5-7 minutes on a low setting.

Step 3: First Rise

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or cling film, and leave it to rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove excess air.
• Shape it into a loaf shape and place it into a greased 900g (2lb) loaf tin.

Step 5: Second Rise

• Cover the loaf tin with a damp cloth and allow the dough to rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it reaches the top of the tin.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

• While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).

Step 7: Bake the Bread

• Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry White Bread?

Here are some delicious pairings that go well with Mary Berry White Bread:

• Butter and Jam: A simple yet classic combination.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on a toasted slice.
• Cheese: Soft cheeses like Brie or cheddar melt wonderfully on this bread.
• Cold Cuts: Use it for sandwiches with ham, turkey, or roast beef.
• Eggs: A great base for scrambled, fried, or poached eggs.
• Soup: Serve with hearty soups like tomato or chicken noodles.
• Honey: Drizzle honey on a warm slice for a sweet snack.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry White Bread

To make sure your Mary Berry White Bread turns out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:

• Use Lukewarm Water: The water should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Knead Well: Kneading the dough thoroughly develops the gluten for a fluffy texture.
• Let the Dough Rise Fully: Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size to ensure a light loaf.
• Preheat the Oven: Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the bread in to get the best rise.
• Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
• Use Bread Flour: Strong white bread flour gives the loaf a chewy texture and holds its shape.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry White Bread

Here are a few easy ways to add your personal twist to the classic Mary Berry White Bread:

• Whole Wheat: Replace half the white flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious loaf.
• Herb Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant flavor.
• Seeded Loaf: Mix in sunflower, sesame, or poppy seeds for added texture.
• Cheese Bread: Fold in grated cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy version.
• Garlic Bread: Add garlic powder to the dough for a savory garlic-flavored bread.
• Honey Wheat: Swap the sugar with honey and add whole wheat flour for a touch of sweetness.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry White Bread

Follow these storage tips to keep your white bread fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store the bread in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Refrigeration: Avoid refrigerating bread as it tends to dry out faster in the fridge.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry White Bread

To bring back the freshly baked texture, here’s how to reheat your bread:

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and warm the bread for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Wrap a slice in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.

How Can I Make Mary Berry White Bread Healthier?

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of this bread, try these simple swaps:

• Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace some or all of the white flour with whole wheat for more fiber.
• Reduce Salt: Lower the amount of salt for a heart-healthier loaf.
• Add Seeds: Incorporate chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition.
• Use Olive Oil: Swap butter for olive oil to reduce saturated fat.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce or omit sugar to cut down on added sugars.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

FAQs

Can I freeze Mary Berry White Bread?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry White Bread. After the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw the loaf at room temperature or reheat in the oven to restore its freshness.

Why is my white bread dense?

White bread can turn out dense if the dough wasn’t kneaded enough or didn’t rise properly. Kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread structure, and allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size ensures a light texture. Using expired yeast can also lead to a dense loaf, so check the freshness of your yeast.

How long does homemade white bread stay fresh?

Homemade white bread stays fresh for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep it longer, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Avoid refrigerating as it can cause the bread to dry out faster.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?

Yes, you can replace some or all of the white bread flour with whole wheat flour. Using whole wheat flour will give the bread a denser texture and a slightly nutty flavor. If using all whole wheat flour, you may need to increase the water slightly to maintain the dough’s moisture.

Final Words

The Mary Berry White Bread Recipe is a simple and reliable way to make a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust. It’s perfect for baking at home for your family or to experience the satisfaction of homemade bread.

With basic ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a must-have in your collection. Enjoy it fresh, toasted, or as the base for a variety of meals!

More By British Baking Recipes

• James Martin White Bread
• Mary Berry Soft Bread Rolls
• Mary Berry Apple and Blackberry Crumble
• Mary Berry Tea Bread

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