White Mountain Bread Recipe

This bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal.

I love how it has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with everything.

One important tip: make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for the best texture.

I recommend letting the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.

What makes this recipe special to me is its versatility and how it fills the house with a wonderful aroma.

Don’t forget to brush the top with melted butter for a golden, crusty finish.

This recipe is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying on its own.

Enjoy baking and savoring this delicious White Mountain bread!

How to Make White Mountain Bread

Ingredients List

For this White Mountain bread recipe, you will need the following basic ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast or Bread Machine Yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• 1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F)
• 6 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup warm milk

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry yeast and sugar or honey.

Add 1 cup of warm water and stir until everything is well mixed.

Let the yeast mixture sit for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

Combine dry ingredients: In another large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups of all-purpose or bread flour with 1 tablespoon of salt.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and 1 cup of warm milk into the flour mixture.

Mix until a dough begins to form.

Step 3

Add butter: Incorporate the softened butter into the dough, continuing to mix until everything is well combined.

Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-8 minutes or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Let the dough rise: Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 4

Shape the dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.

Shape it into a round loaf or divide it into two smaller loaves.

Prepare for baking: Transfer the shaped dough onto a pizza peel with a layer of parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet.

You can also sprinkle some cornmeal under the dough to prevent sticking.

Cover it with a tea towel and let it rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 5

Preheat the oven: While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Bake the bread: Place the dough into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Let your homemade White Mountain bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying it!

Side Dishes for White Mountain Bread

White Mountain Bread is versatile and can be paired with various side dishes.

Here are some great options to consider when serving your freshly baked loaf of bread.

Earth Balance Vegan Spread

For those with dietary restrictions or simply looking for a healthier alternative, Earth Balance Vegan Spread makes a great addition to a slice of bread.

It provides a tasty and creamy texture, just like traditional butter, without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making white mountain bread, you might want to consider some ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Here are several substitutes you can use in your white mountain bread recipe:

Bread Flour

You can easily replace the all-purpose flour usually used in white mountain bread recipes with bread flour.

Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can improve the texture and chewiness of your bread.

Milk

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute milk with almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice.

Ensure to use an unsweetened version to keep the flavor profile of the bread as close to the original recipe as possible.

Butter

For a vegan or dairy-free option, consider replacing the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine.

You may also opt for coconut oil, although this could slightly alter the flavor of the bread.

Honey substitutes 

To make your white mountain bread vegan, or if you simply prefer another sweetener, you could substitute honey with agave nectar, maple syrup, or a vegan-friendly sugar alternative like coconut sugar.

How to Store White Mountain Bread

To keep your White Mountain Bread fresh and delicious, it’s essential to store it properly.

Here are some methods and tips on how to store this delightful bread correctly.

In Paper Bags

Using paper bags is a great way to store White Mountain Bread at room temperature.

Keep the bread in its original paper wrapping, or place it in a brown paper bag.

This method allows the bread to breathe and helps maintain its crusty texture.

Remember not to use plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and make the bread soggy.

In a Bread Box

A bread box is designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, which helps the bread stay fresh for longer periods.

Place your White Mountain Bread inside a bread box, ensuring it’s not overcrowded or exposed to direct sunlight.

This storage method works especially well for loaves that have been sliced and need protection from drying out.

Using Plastic Wrap for Freezing

Freezing White Mountain Bread can help extend its shelf life.

Make sure the loaf is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap.

Add an extra layer of aluminum foil or freezer paper to maximize freshness.

Properly stored, the bread should last up to six months in the freezer.

To thaw, remove the outer layers of wrapping and let the bread sit at room temperature.

By following these suggestions, you can preserve the quality and texture of your White Mountain Bread and enjoy its deliciousness for days to come.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-flouring wet dough

It’s common to be afraid of sticky dough, but don’t keep adding flour in an attempt to fix it.

Some doughs will simply be very moist when they’re ready, as it’s the way the science of fermentation, time, and heat works.

If you want a good loaf of white mountain bread, you’ve got to accept that some stickiness is normal.

Failing to weigh your ingredients accurately

For the best results, use a scale to weigh your ingredients in grams or ounces.

Cup measurements can be imprecise and may lead to inconsistencies in your dough.

Bakeries and restaurants use a scale for measuring ingredients for a reason: it ensures accuracy and consistency in their bread.