Nothing beats the comforting aroma and soft texture of freshly baked bread straight from your own kitchen, and this Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe delivers just that in the most delightful way. With simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, you’ll create a golden-crusted loaf that’s tender inside, perfect for everything from sandwiches to buttered toast. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker looking for a reliable go-to recipe, this easy homemade white bread recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of basic ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden crust.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic agent that makes your bread rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F): Warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring a perfect rise.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds moisture and richness, contributing to a tender crumb and softer crust.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Balances flavor and strengthens dough structure.
- 3 ¼ to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your loaf, providing structure and texture.
How to Make Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy ensures your yeast is alive and well, setting the stage for a good rise.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients and Form Dough
Add oil and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually stir in 3 cups of flour. The dough will look rough at this point; don’t worry, that’s normal!
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its chewy texture and elasticity.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the smooth dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—this usually takes about an hour.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf and Second Rise
Punch down the risen dough to release the air, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again until puffy, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F, then bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Let the loaf cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple brush of melted butter on the hot loaf right after baking creates a softer crust and adds a lovely sheen. For a savory twist, sprinkle herbs or garlic powder on top before baking.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with countless dishes—from hearty soups and stews to fresh salads or creamy spreads. Its neutral flavor lets it complement both savory and sweet toppings like jam or honey.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your loaf thick for rustic sandwiches or cube it for homemade croutons or bread pudding. Toasted slices topped with avocado, tomatoes, or your favorite cheese instantly elevate your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe later, slice it and freeze in a zip-top bag. This way, you can pull out only what you need and toast it straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked softness, warm slices in a toaster or oven. For whole loaves, covering with foil and heating at 350°F for 10–15 minutes works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can give your loaf a chewier texture and better rise. You can swap it entirely or mix it with all-purpose flour depending on your preference.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
This usually happens if the yeast is old or the water was too hot or too cold. Always use fresh yeast and check that your water is warm but not hot to the touch (around 110°F) for optimal rising.
Can I make this bread without a mixer?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for hand-kneading. Just be gentle and patient with the kneading process to develop the gluten properly.
How do I get a softer crust?
Brushing the loaf with melted butter right after baking softens the crust beautifully. Alternatively, you can cover the loaf with a clean kitchen towel while it cools to maintain moisture.
Can I add extras like seeds or herbs to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in herbs, seeds, or even grated cheese into the dough before the first rise. These additions personalize your loaf and add exciting flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own bread is such a joyful, rewarding experience, and this Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe makes it approachable and delicious every time. With just a few simple ingredients and love, you’ll have a loaf that fills your home with warmth and flavor. Give this recipe a try and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade white bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a tender crumb and golden crust. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm with butter, it uses basic pantry staples and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Dough
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3 ¼ to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the oil and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually stir in 3 cups of flour until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough to release air, shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure your water isn’t too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
- For added flavor and texture, substitute part of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
