If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh bread, this Easy Homemade White Bread recipe is here to make that dream a reality. With a handful of pantry staples and just a little patience, you’ll end up with a loaf that’s golden on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside, and perfect for everything from morning toast to lunchtime sandwiches. There’s nothing quite like slicing into your own Easy Homemade White Bread—once you taste it, you may never want to go back to store-bought!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so special is just how simple and classic the ingredient list is. Each item plays an important role in giving Easy Homemade White Bread its soft texture, mild flavor, and beautiful golden crust.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together for the perfect rise.
- Active dry yeast: Gives the bread its signature lift and airy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the loaf.
- Unsalted butter: Contributes a rich flavor and tender texture to the finished bread.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the bread.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the structure and softness that make this bread so crave-worthy.
- Vegetable oil: Used for greasing the bowl to keep the dough from sticking during its rise.
How to Make Easy Homemade White Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by adding the warm water, yeast, and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a foamy surface—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, setting the stage for that gorgeous, fluffy loaf.
Step 2: Add Butter, Salt, and Flour
Once your yeast is nice and bubbly, stir in the softened butter and salt. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing as you go. The dough will start off sticky but will come together into a soft, cohesive ball by the end.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes. This is your moment to really connect with the bread—kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and that classic chewy-yet-soft texture. When the dough is smooth and elastic, you’re good to go.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat it. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. There’s something almost magical about seeing your dough puff up and come to life!
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf. Gently place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 to 40 minutes, until it’s about an inch above the rim of the pan. This second rise is key for a soft, even crumb.
Step 6: Bake the Loaf
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake your Easy Homemade White Bread for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. If you love a soft crust, brush the top with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the crumb set and makes slicing a breeze. Now, get ready to enjoy the fruits of your (minimal) labor!
How to Serve Easy Homemade White Bread
Garnishes
For a simple finish, brush the warm loaf with melted butter for an irresistible sheen and extra softness. You can also sprinkle the top with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a touch of sesame seeds before baking for a bakery-inspired twist.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups, crisp salads, or a classic bowl of chili. It’s also the perfect canvas for avocado toast, or simply enjoyed alongside a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting thick slices for French toast, turning day-old bread into homemade croutons, or serving mini sandwiches at brunch. Easy Homemade White Bread is as versatile as it is delicious, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays soft and fresh for up to three days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze individual pieces or the whole loaf. Wrap in plastic and then foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. Your Easy Homemade White Bread will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm slices in the toaster or a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste and aroma. Enjoy it just as you would on day one!
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can swap in instant yeast. Just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients before adding the liquids.
Why didn’t my bread rise?
This usually happens if the yeast is expired or your water was too hot or too cold. Always check your yeast’s expiration date and aim for water that feels warm but not hot to the touch (about 110°F/45°C).
Can I make this Easy Homemade White Bread recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk in place of water if you’d like a richer flavor. The bread will still turn out wonderfully soft and delicious.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when gently tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer—the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double every ingredient to make two loaves. Just be sure your mixing bowl is large enough and divide the dough evenly between two loaf pans.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own Easy Homemade White Bread is such a rewarding and cozy experience. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll fill your home with warmth and end up with a loaf that’s truly better than anything you can buy. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour and 30 minutes rising time)
- Cook Time: 30 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 or toast. Using simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can achieve a delicious, warm bread with a golden crust.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing the bowl)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Add Butter and Salt: Stir in the softened butter and salt into the yeast mixture to combine thoroughly.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten structure.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf again and let it rise for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the dough rises about 1 inch above the pan rim.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Bread: Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped, confirming it is fully baked.
- Cool Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to retain texture.
Notes
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the bread with melted butter immediately after baking.
- You can replace half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Make sure water temperature is around 110°F/45°C to effectively activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you want a sweeter loaf, increase sugar by 1 tablespoon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
