Making homemade white bread is easier than you think!
With a few simple pantry staples and some rising time, you’ll have a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or slathering with butter fresh from the oven.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps and no bread machine required.
- Soft & Fluffy Texture: Ideal for slicing and toasting.
- No Special Tools Needed: Just a bowl, spoon, and loaf pan.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake now, enjoy later!
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, stir together warm water and sugar.
Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
👉 No foam? Discard and start with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Add more flour, 1 tbsp at a time, if it’s too sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel.
Let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Cool & Slice
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Let cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Toast slices or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes.
🍞 Classic Homemade White Bread
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough hook
- Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
- Towel or plastic wrap
- Oven
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water 110°F/43°C
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2¼ tsp 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, stir together warm water and sugar.
- Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- 👉 No foam? Discard and try with fresh yeast.
- Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Transfer to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add flour, 1 tbsp at a time, if too sticky.
- Step 4: First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel.
- Let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled.
- Step 5: Shape the Loaf
- Punch down dough and shape into a loaf.
- Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Step 6: Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 7: Cool & Slice
- Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Cool completely before slicing for best results.
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate)
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
🔥 Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Yeast: Check the expiration date before starting.
- Don’t Over-Knead: Dough should be elastic, not stiff.
- Let It Cool Fully: Cutting too early can lead to gummy slices.
- Add Variety: Mix in herbs, seeds, or use honey instead of sugar for a flavor twist.
📊 Nutrition (Per Slice – Approx.)
- Calories: 140
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
❓ FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes! Skip the proofing step and add it directly to the flour.
What if I don’t have a loaf pan?
You can shape the dough into a free-form loaf and bake it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use oil or plant-based butter in place of regular butter.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast may have been old, or the water was too hot or too cold. Ideal water temp is 110°F (43°C).
✅Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade White Bread is perfect for new bakers and seasoned pros alike.
With a soft crumb, golden crust, and unbeatable fresh-baked flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying warm with butter. 🧈🍞
Once you try it, you’ll never want store-bought bread again!
