Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
- Soft, tender crumb with a slightly buttery flavor
- Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter
- No special equipment required—just mix, knead, and bake
- Budget-friendly and much tastier than store-bought bread
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Warm water (110°F/45°C)
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, warm milk, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories per slice: 170 kcal
Variations
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Honey-Sweetened Bread: Swap out the sugar for honey to add a touch of natural sweetness.
- Garlic & Herb Bread: Mix in minced garlic, dried oregano, or rosemary for a flavorful twist.
- Cheese Bread: Fold in shredded cheese before shaping the dough for a cheesy loaf.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Not recommended as it can dry out the bread.
- Freezing: Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them for a crispy texture.
FAQs
How do I know when my bread is fully baked?
Tap the top of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s done. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing it first.
Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?
Dense bread is often caused by not kneading enough, not allowing enough rise time, or using too much flour.
Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes! Use the dough setting for mixing and rising, then shape and bake it in the oven for the best texture.
How can I get a softer crust?
Brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Add them during the kneading stage to incorporate them evenly.
What’s the best way to slice homemade bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
How do I speed up the rising process?
Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can also use the “proof” setting on some ovens.
Can I make mini loaves with this recipe?
Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake for a shorter time, checking for doneness.
How do I prevent my bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan well with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
Conclusion
This easy homemade white bread is a must-try for any home baker. With its soft texture, delicious flavor, and simple process, it’s perfect for everyday meals. Whether toasted with butter or used for sandwiches, this bread is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and enjoy the taste of fresh, homemade goodness!
Print
Easy Homemade White Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade white bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike! Made with simple ingredients, it yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust—ideal for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter. Follow this step-by-step guide for a foolproof, delicious homemade bread recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add remaining sugar, melted butter, warm milk, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until dough forms and pulls away from the bowl.
- Transfer to a floured surface; knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9×5-inch pan. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a softer crust, brush with melted butter after baking.
- Use a thermometer to check doneness (190°F/88°C internally).
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
