Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread, especially when it comes to the perfect slice of toast. While it may sound daunting, making toast bread from scratch is easier than you think.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a warm, crusty loaf in the comfort of your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve that perfect slice of toast bread:.

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
1 packet active yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 egg, beaten

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Add the sugar, softened butter, and salt to the frothy yeast mixture. Mix well until the butter has melted.
Sift the flour into the mixing bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
On a floured surface, knead the dough for around 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, stretchy, and elastic.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a plastic wrap or damp towel, and let it sit for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a bread pan with cooking spray.
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in the greased bread pan.
Brush the beaten egg on top of the loaf and let it sit for another 15 minutes.
Bake the bread for around 30-35 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving with butter and your favorite toppings.

Tips for perfect toast bread

Making toast bread from scratch takes time and patience, but with these tips, you’ll be enjoying perfect slices in no time:.

Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the water. Cold water can slow down the yeast’s activation.
Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to develop the gluten and ensure a soft, chewy texture.
Don’t rush the rising process as it’s crucial for developing the bread’s flavor and texture.
Bake the bread until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Overbaking can result in a dry and crumbly texture while underbaking leads to a gummy center.
Store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer shelf life, slice and freeze the bread.

Conclusion

Making toast bread from scratch may seem intimidating, but with a bit of practice and patience, you can achieve bakery-quality results at home. Follow this simple recipe and tips, and enjoy warm slices of crusty, golden-brown toast any time of the day.