Dan's Classic White Bread

Start by placing milk in a heat-resistant container, and then gently warm it in the microwave oven on Low for 15 seconds or until it reaches a temperature of 100 degrees F (38 degrees C). Next, combine the sugar and honey in the container and stir until they dissolve. Add the yeast to the mixture, allowing it to activate and form a creamy layer on the milk for 15 minutes.

In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to this bowl, then use a slow-speed stand mixer with a mixing paddle to combine everything thoroughly. The dough will initially be quite wet, so proceed with adding the butter and gradually incorporating the remaining 2 cups of bread flour until it forms a cohesive ball. Switch to a dough hook attachment and continue kneading the dough for 4 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and continue kneading, observing as the dough's surface begins to break apart during folding and kneading. Shape the dough into a ball, then place it in a lightly floured large bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and position it in a warm environment to rise until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

Prepare two 9x5-inch loaf pans by spraying them with cooking spray. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface for an additional 2 minutes of kneading. Divide the dough in half using a sharp knife, then shape each portion into a log. If necessary, add more flour to achieve the desired consistency. Place the loaves in the prepared pans and cover them with a kitchen towel, positioning them in a warm environment to rise once more until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the bread loaves in the preheated oven, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake until the tops are golden brown and the loaves produce a hollow sound when tapped, approximately 25 minutes. Remove the pans from the oven and let them cool on baking racks for about 5 minutes before turning the bread loaves out to complete their cooling process. Cover them with a kitchen towel as they cool.