Julia Child White Bread Recipe

julia child white bread recipe

Julia Child changed how we think about food. Her Julia Child White Bread Recipe is a true classic.

It is simple, honest, and very delicious. Many people feel scared to bake bread at home.

This Julia Child White Bread Recipe makes it very easy. You only need a few basic pantry items.

The result is a golden crust and soft center. Learning how to make Julia Child White Bread is a joy.

It fills your home with a wonderful smell. This bread is perfect for toast or sandwiches.

You will love every single bite of it. Let us start baking this famous bread today!

When I First Introduced to Julia Child White Bread Recipe

I remember my first time baking this bread. I was nervous about using yeast. I watched an old video of Julia Child.

She made it look so much fun. She pounded the dough with her hands. She laughed when the flour puffed up.

I tried her recipe that same weekend. My kitchen smelled like a French bakery. The bread came out tall and beautiful.

I felt like a real chef that day. Now, I bake it every single week. It is a family favorite in my house. You will feel that same pride too.

julia child white bread

Equipment List

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • A sturdy wooden spoon.
  • Two 9×5 inch loaf pans.
  • A plastic dough scraper.
  • A wire cooling rack.
  • A clean kitchen towel.

Ingredients You Need for Julia Child White Bread Recipe

Here are the ingredients for Julia Child White Bread:

  • Warm water: 2.5 cups (105 degrees).
  • Active dry yeast: 1 tablespoon.
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon.
  • All-purpose flour: 6 to 7 cups.
  • Salt: 1 tablespoon.
  • Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons (melted).

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Bloom the Yeast

Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast together. Let it sit for ten minutes. It should look foamy and bubbly.

2. Mix the Dough

Add the melted butter to the water. Stir in four cups of flour. Add the salt now. Mix until it is a wet paste.

3. Add More Flour

Add more flour one cup at a time. The dough should pull away from the bowl. It will be a bit sticky.

4. Knead the Dough

Put dough on a floured surface. Knead it for ten full minutes. It must be smooth and elastic.

5. First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise for two hours. It should double in size.

6. Shape the Loaves

Punch the dough down to release air. Divide it into two equal pieces. Shape them into neat rectangles.

7. Second Rise

Place the pieces into greased loaf pans. Cover them again for one hour. They should rise above the pan rim.

8. Bake the Bread

Heat your oven to 375 degrees. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The tops should be dark golden brown.

9. Cool the Bread

Remove loaves from the pans immediately. Place them on a wire rack. Let them cool before slicing.

Tips to Make the Best Julia Child White Bread Recipe

  • Always check your yeast expiration date.
  • Fresh yeast makes the bread rise high.
  • Use a thermometer for the water.
  • Too much heat kills the yeast.
  • Do not skip the kneading step.
  • Kneading creates the bread’s structure.
  • Let the bread cool completely.
  • Slicing hot bread makes it gummy.
  • Brush the top with butter for shine.
  • It makes the crust soft and tasty.

FAQs about Julia Child White Bread Recipe

Can I use bread flour instead?

Yes, bread flour works very well. It makes the bread a bit chewier.

How do I store this bread?

Keep it in a sealed plastic bag. It stays fresh for three days.

Can I freeze the baked loaves?

Yes, wrap them tightly in foil. Freeze them for up to one month.

Why did my bread not rise?

Your water might have been too hot. Or your yeast was too old.

Is this bread good for French toast?

It is the best bread for it. It soaks up the custard perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Julia Child White Bread Recipe is a gift. It teaches you patience and simple skills.

You do not need fancy tools. You just need your hands and heart. This bread tastes better than store-bought loaves.

It has no preservatives or strange chemicals. Your friends will be very impressed. Your family will ask for more.

Julia Child believed everyone could cook. She was right about this bread. Give it a try this weekend.

You will love the baking process. Happy baking to all of you!

julia child white bread recipe

Julia Child White Bread Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Warm water: 2.5 cups 105 degrees.
  • Active dry yeast: 1 tablespoon.
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon.
  • All-purpose flour: 6 to 7 cups.
  • Salt: 1 tablespoon.
  • Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons melted.

Instructions
 

Bloom the Yeast

  • Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast together. Let it sit for ten minutes. It should look foamy and bubbly.

Mix the Dough

  • Add the melted butter to the water. Stir in four cups of flour. Add the salt now. Mix until it is a wet paste.

Add More Flour

  • Add more flour one cup at a time. The dough should pull away from the bowl. It will be a bit sticky.

Knead the Dough

  • Put dough on a floured surface. Knead it for ten full minutes. It must be smooth and elastic.

First Rise

  • Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise for two hours. It should double in size.

Shape the Loaves

  • Punch the dough down to release air. Divide it into two equal pieces. Shape them into neat rectangles.

Second Rise

  • Place the pieces into greased loaf pans. Cover them again for one hour. They should rise above the pan rim.

Bake the Bread

  • Heat your oven to 375 degrees. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The tops should be dark golden brown.

Cool the Bread

  • Remove loaves from the pans immediately. Place them on a wire rack. Let them cool before slicing.

Notes

  • Always check your yeast expiration date.
  • Fresh yeast makes the bread rise high.
  • Use a thermometer for the water.
  • Too much heat kills the yeast.
  • Do not skip the kneading step.
  • Kneading creates the bread’s structure.
  • Let the bread cool completely.
  • Slicing hot bread makes it gummy.
  • Brush the top with butter for shine.
  • It makes the crust soft and tasty.
Keyword Julia Child White Bread Recipe