There’s something so heartwarming about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? This Easy Homemade White Bread recipe is a tried-and-true classic that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With simple pantry staples and no fancy equipment required, you’ll have a soft, golden loaf ready to slice and serve in no time. Let’s dive into the details to make this bread-making journey as easy as possible!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade White Bread
This bread is:
- Soft and fluffy: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathering with butter.
- Beginner-friendly: Requires no complicated techniques.
- Budget-friendly: Made with just six basic ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Versatile: Enjoy it fresh, or use it for French toast, bread pudding, or croutons.
- Rewarding: There’s nothing more satisfying than creating something so delicious from scratch!
What Does This Bread Taste Like?
This white bread boasts a subtly sweet, buttery flavor with an incredibly soft crumb. The crust is golden and slightly chewy, providing the perfect contrast to the pillowy interior. When toasted, the bread develops a warm nuttiness that’s irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pantry Staples:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your bread. You can substitute bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your bread rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and strengthens the dough.
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F): The perfect temperature to activate the yeast—warm, not hot.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the bread tender.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula
- A clean kitchen towel
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Wire rack for cooling
How To Make Easy Homemade White Bread
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the warm water and vegetable oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough
Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Pro tip: If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour—just a tablespoon at a time!
4. Let It Rise
Grease a large bowl with oil or butter, place the dough inside, and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Hint: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven turned off but with the light on.
5. Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
6. Second Rise
Cover the loaf with the towel again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it’s just above the rim of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes. It’s ready when the crust is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool Completely
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic sandwich: Ham and cheese, PB&J, or BLT.
- Toasted and topped: Avocado, butter, or jam.
- Breakfast favorite: French toast or warm bread with honey.
Tips for Making Perfect Homemade Bread
- Measure your flour correctly: Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Don’t overheat the water: Water that’s too hot will kill the yeast. Aim for a gentle warmth (about 110°F).
- Be patient with the rise: Letting the dough fully rise will result in lighter, fluffier bread.
- Customize the flavor: Add herbs, garlic, or shredded cheese for a savory twist.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store the cooled bread in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Dissolve active dry yeast in the warm water and sugar for about 5 minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients.
How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?
Gently press two fingers into the dough. If the indentations remain, it’s ready!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Use a mix of 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose for a balance of flavor and fluffiness.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
Shape the dough into a round loaf and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet instead.
Wrap-Up
Making this Easy Homemade White Bread is a rewarding experience that fills your home with warmth and comfort. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe guarantees success. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review or share your photos on Pinterest. I’d love to see your creations!
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these delicious recipes:
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Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
Description
This Easy Homemade White Bread recipe is a classic, no-fuss way to bake a soft, fluffy loaf with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathering with butter, this bread is beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and oh-so-satisfying to make. With a tender crumb and a golden crust, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the warm water and oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to form. It will be sticky.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it’s slightly above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Be careful not to overheat the water—it should feel warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you don’t have instant yeast, active dry yeast works too. Dissolve it in the warm water with the sugar for about 5 minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients.
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.