There is something truly magical about pulling a warm loaf out of your own oven, especially when it’s as satisfying and straightforward as the Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe. This bread offers a soft crumb, a golden crust, and a fresh, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with happiness. Whether you’re new to baking or just love that classic sandwich loaf, this recipe combines the simplest ingredients in a way that yields the best homemade white bread you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe lies in how few ingredients it calls for, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect basic bread. From yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully to the oil that keeps the loaf tender, every element contributes to the delicious final result.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading): The main structure of the bread that creates a tender yet sturdy crumb.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The tiny powerhouse that makes your dough rise and become delightfully airy.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the bread’s flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances the overall taste and controls yeast activity for even rising.
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for dough formation.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the bread’s softness lasts longer.
How to Make Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is like magic—it signals that your yeast is active and ready to work wonders in your dough.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients and Form Dough
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, stir in the vegetable oil or melted butter for moisture. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing carefully until a soft dough begins to form. Don’t rush this part; letting the dough come together naturally results in a better texture.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread structure and a satisfying chew. It’s a wonderfully tactile part of bread making, and you’ll feel the dough transform beneath your hands.
Step 4: First Rise
Put the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough will double in size as the yeast works its magic, creating that airy texture we all love in homemade bread.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
After punching down the dough to release air, shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, until it’s puffy and just above the pan’s rim. This second rise ensures a tender crumb and beautiful shape.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when you tap it. Let it cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here rewards you with the best texture for slicing.
How to Serve Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple brushing of melted butter right out of the oven adds a lovely sheen and extra softness to the crust. For a bit of flair, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This bread is a superstar when paired with soups, stews, or hearty salads. Its tender crumb soaks up brothy goodness without falling apart, making it the ultimate sidekick for your favorite cozy meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your loaf into thick pieces and turning them into grilled cheese sandwiches or dipping them into olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an elegant appetizer. Toasted cubes make fantastic croutons, adding crunch and heartiness to your salads or soups.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Wrapping it well helps preserve the soft crust and prevents the loaf from drying out.
Freezing
This Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place slices in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Reheating
To revive your bread’s softness, gently warm it in an oven set to 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes or toast individual slices for a crisp, fresh-from-the-oven feel. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! You can substitute up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf with more fiber and nutrients, though the texture will be slightly denser than the classic white bread.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast, water that is too hot or cold, or a drafty environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is about 110°F to activate it properly.
How do I get a softer crust?
Brushing the bread with melted butter right after baking softens the crust elegantly. You can also cover the loaf with a clean towel while it cools to retain moisture.
Is it necessary to knead the dough by hand?
While hand-kneading is wonderful for feeling the dough’s progress, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to save time and effort with the same great results.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out melted butter for a neutral vegetable oil to keep this recipe dairy-free. The oil helps maintain moisture and tenderness just like butter.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of baking bread from scratch, and this Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe makes it so accessible and rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get to experience that warm, fresh-baked goodness anytime you crave it. Give it a try—you’ll soon be the family’s favorite baker, sharing the love one slice at a time!
Print
Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 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 perfect for sandwiches, toast, or French toast. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and a touch of sugar and oil, it’s a beginner-friendly bread that requires basic kneading and baking techniques to achieve a golden crust and tender crumb.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Stir in the oil, then gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough starts to form, pulling together all ingredients evenly.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf form and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy and risen about 1 inch above the edges of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking.
- This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or French toast.
- You can substitute up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
