There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. This white bread recipe is everything you could hope for—soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying warm with a pat of butter. Baking bread from scratch might seem intimidating, but this recipe is simple enough for beginners and rewarding for seasoned bakers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This homemade white bread is the ultimate comfort food. It’s tender, slightly sweet, and has that perfect golden crust. Unlike store-bought bread, this version is free of preservatives and tastes so much better. Plus, kneading dough is surprisingly therapeutic—there’s something magical about turning simple ingredients into a loaf of bread.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need to make this delicious bread. You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
- All-purpose or bread flour
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Butter
Directions
Activating the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Mixing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, stirring until the dough comes together. It might be sticky at first, but that’s a good sign!
Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’ve never kneaded dough before, don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds.
Letting It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shaping the Loaf
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until it’s puffed up nicely.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the bread for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool slightly before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Use bread flour if you want a chewier texture—it has more protein than all-purpose flour.
- Let the bread cool completely before storing it to avoid soggy slices.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a tablespoon of honey instead of sugar for a slightly sweeter loaf.
- Mix in seeds, herbs, or shredded cheese for a flavored bread variation.
- Swap butter for olive oil for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This white bread is so versatile—it’s perfect for morning toast, lunchtime sandwiches, or as a side with soups and stews. Pair it with a generous spread of jam, creamy butter, or even avocado for a modern twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the bread in a bread box or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, pop it in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh its texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! You can skip the proofing step and mix instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients.
2. What’s the best way to tell if the bread is done baking?
Tap the top of the loaf—it should sound hollow. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should read 190°F.
3. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for hand-kneading. Just give yourself a little extra time and enjoy the process.
4. Why didn’t my bread rise?
Check the freshness of your yeast and ensure your water was warm, not hot, when proofing the yeast. Hot water can kill the yeast, and cold water won’t activate it.
Conclusion
The Best White Bread from Scratch is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the simple joy of kneading dough to the satisfaction of slicing into a freshly baked loaf, this bread is a reminder that homemade really is better. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying a slice plain, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!
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The Best White Bread from Scratch
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~2.5 hours (including rise times)
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic white bread recipe delivers soft, fluffy loaves with a golden crust and a delightful homemade flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter, this recipe is easy to follow and yields two delicious loaves.
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- Extra melted butter (for brushing loaves)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. - Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a sticky dough forms. - Knead the Dough:
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer). The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. - First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours. - Shape the Loaves:
Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a loaf and place into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. - Second Rise:
Cover the pans and let the dough rise again until it reaches about 1 inch above the rim of the pans, about 30-45 minutes. - Bake the Bread:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. - Cool and Serve:
Brush the tops with melted butter for a soft crust. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the water with milk.
- Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Make sure your water is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg