Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious, this Easy Homemade White Bread is a staple recipe for any kitchen. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying fresh out of the oven, this bread offers a comforting and satisfying experience with every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
A beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps.
Versatile enough to pair with sweet or savory toppings.
Freshly baked bread tastes better than anything store-bought.
It’s a budget-friendly alternative to pre-packaged loaves.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Gradually add salt and flour, one cup at a time, mixing well until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Gently punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it into a greased loaf pan.
Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it doubles in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
Whole Wheat Bread: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Herb-Infused Bread: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a savory twist.
Sweet Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of raisins for a mildly sweet loaf.
Cheesy Bread: Fold shredded cheese into the dough for a rich, cheesy flavor.
Seeded Loaf: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To refresh, wrap a slice in foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or lightly toast it.
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FAQs
How do I know if the yeast is active?
If the yeast mixture becomes frothy after 10 minutes, it is active and ready to use. If not, your yeast may be expired or the water might have been too hot or too cold.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Skip the frothing step and mix the yeast directly into the dry ingredients.
Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?
Dense bread can result from under-kneading, not allowing the dough to rise properly, or using expired yeast. Take your time to knead and ensure the dough doubles in size during rising.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it doesn’t include dairy or eggs. Just make sure your sugar is vegan-certified if that’s a concern.
What’s the best way to slice homemade bread?
Allow the loaf to cool completely, then use a serrated knife for even slices. Cooling prevents the bread from tearing.
Conclusion
This easy homemade white bread is a classic recipe that every baker should have in their repertoire. With its soft texture and delightful flavor, it’s perfect for everything from morning toast to lunchtime sandwiches. Once you’ve tried making your own loaf, store-bought bread might just become a thing of the past.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Homemade White Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Discover the ultimate recipe for soft and fluffy homemade white bread, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh from the oven. This beginner-friendly recipe uses simple pantry staples and yields a deliciously comforting loaf every time.
Ingredients
1 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually add salt and flour, one cup at a time, mixing until dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
Use a thermometer to ensure your water is between 105–110°F for activating yeast.
The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet; adjust flour if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
- Calories: 160 kcal per slice (based on 12 slices)
