Chef John's White Bread

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups whole milk , warmed
• 1 package active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 2.75 tos 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons very soft unsalted butter , plus more for greasing the pan
• 1 large egg , beaten
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 0.25 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Pour warm milk into a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Sprinkle yeast on top and let dissolve until a few small bubbles begin to a form, 10 to 15 minutes.

2. 2

   Add 2 3/4 cups flour, softened butter, beaten egg, sugar, vinegar, salt, and baking soda. Knead on low speed until the dough begins to come together, adding up to 1/4 cup more flour if needed. Increase the speed slightly and knead for about 3 more minutes. Use a spatula to scrape the sides clean and gather the dough into the center. Cover and let rise until doubled in volume, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

3. 3

   Butter a spatula and a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Scrape the dough into the prepared loaf pan using the spatula. Smooth out the top to distribute the dough evenly. Dust the top with 1 tablespoon flour and press gently to even out the dough. Let rise in the pan for 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

5. 5

   Use a sharp knife or razor to cut a deep slash lengthwise through the center of the loaf; you may need to go over it several times. Brush the top with most of the melted butter.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove from the oven and brush hot loaf with the remaining butter. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.