A simple and classic white bread recipe, perfect for slicing and topping with butter and jam!
Place warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer.
Sprinkle yeast and sugar over water in bowl. Let sit until yeast begins to bubble and foam in bowl.
Add 2 cups bread flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter to the mixing bowl. Turn the mixer on low speed with the paddle attachment and let mix for 2 minutes.
Scrape down sides of bowl and paddle and mix for an additional 1-2 minutes on low. Add remaining 3/4 cup of bread flour, a little at a time, just until dough is no longer shiny and wet.
Scrape down sides of bowl again. Spray sides of the bowl with cooking spray and cover the bowl with Saran wrap. Place in a warm draft free place* to rise about 20 minutes.
Turn oven on to 375 degrees and place rack in center of oven. Grease a 8.5x4.5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
When the dough has risen for about 20-30 mins, sprinkle a little flour on top and turn the dough a couple of times in the bowl so it is not sticky. Form into a loaf shape and place in the pan.
Let rise again for about 20-30 minutes or until the dough is level with the top of the pan.
Carefully place in preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until top is golden.
Remove from oven let cool in pan for a few minutes then transfer loaf to a cooling rack. Brush with butter while still warm.