Final answer:
The best procedure after baking a loaf of soft white bread is to let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, as it allows the structure and moisture to stabilize for a better texture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proper Procedure After Baking White Bread
After you have baked a loaf of soft white bread, the best procedure to follow is B) Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Freshly-baked bread is indeed a delicious treat, and although it might be tempting to slice into it while it's warm, doing so can result in a compressed and gummy texture. The bread’s structure needs time to stabilize and the moisture within needs to be evenly distributed; thus, cooling on a wire rack ensures a better texture and makes it easier to slice.
Slicing the bread while it's still hot might feel satisfying, but it is likely to ruin the delicate crumb of your fresh bread. Moreover, placing the hot bread in a refrigerator is not advisable as it can cause condensation within the loaf, leading to soggy bread. Applying butter to the crust can be a personal preference, but it does not relate to the bread's overall quality after baking as does the cooling process.