Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe

Introduction

Making homemade white bread is easier than you might think, and the results are wonderfully fresh and comforting. This simple recipe yields a soft, golden loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy the smell and taste of freshly baked bread any day.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (between 100°F and 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Activate the yeast by mixing warm water with sugar and sprinkling the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Step 3: Add the softened butter and activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients; stir until combined.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for about one hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough gently, shape it into a loaf, place it in a greased pan, cover again, and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
• Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a slightly sweeter bread, increase the sugar by one tablespoon.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, freeze the loaf, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in the oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply mix it directly with the flour and reduce the water slightly if needed. Instant yeast doesn’t require proofing, so skip the activation step.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) also indicates it’s fully baked.

Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 80 reviews

This easy homemade white bread recipe produces a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toasting. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, it is ideal for beginners and bread lovers alike.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (between 100°F and 110°F)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: Mix warm water with sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Combine wet and dry: Add the softened butter and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough begins to come together.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for structure.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape and second rise: Gently punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Notes

• Ensure the water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F for proper yeast activation; too hot can kill the yeast.
• Kneading time is crucial to develop gluten; under-kneading can produce dense bread.
• Allowing the dough to rise twice improves texture and flavor.
• You can brush the loaf with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
• Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: homemade white bread, easy bread recipe, simple white bread, basic bread loaf, soft white bread