Soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or toast, this classic homemade white bread is simple to make and incredibly delicious. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a golden, buttery loaf that tastes far better than store-bought bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture – Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter.
- Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
- Easy to follow – Straightforward steps make this a great beginner-friendly bread recipe.
- Better than store-bought – No preservatives, just fresh homemade goodness.
- Versatile – Use for sandwiches, French toast, or simply enjoy warm with a spread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup warm milk
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough
- Add flour, salt, butter, and warm milk to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Shape and Second Rise
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
6. Bake the Bread
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
7. Cool and Serve
- Remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per slice
Variations
- Honey White Bread: Substitute sugar with honey for a hint of natural sweetness.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Garlic Herb Bread: Add minced garlic and dried herbs to the dough for a savory twist.
- Sweeter Bread: Increase the sugar slightly and add a touch of vanilla extract for a dessert-style loaf.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week, but it may dry out faster.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast does not need to be activated in water first—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
2. Why didn’t my bread rise?
Your yeast may be expired, or the water temperature could have been too hot or too cold. Make sure it’s around 110°F.
3. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. What’s the best way to slice homemade bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and let the loaf cool completely before slicing to prevent tearing.
5. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Bread flour has more protein and will create a slightly chewier texture.
6. How can I make my crust softer?
Brush the top with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
7. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Add up to ½ cup of nuts, raisins, or seeds during the mixing step.
8. What size loaf pan should I use?
A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this recipe.
9. How do I prevent my bread from drying out?
Store in a bread box or wrap in plastic wrap to keep it from getting stale.
10. Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes! Use the dough setting for mixing and rising, then bake in the oven or use the full bread-making cycle.
Conclusion
Making homemade white bread is easier than you think and produces a soft, fluffy loaf with incredible flavor. Whether used for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with butter, this recipe is a must-try for any bread lover. Give it a go and experience the joy of fresh-baked bread straight from your kitchen!
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Homemade White Bread
This Homemade White Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or French toast. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy bread recipe creates a golden, buttery loaf that tastes better than store-bought. With a light, airy texture and a delicious homemade flavor, this is the only white bread recipe you’ll ever need!
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup warm milk
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy (proofing the yeast).
2. Mix the Dough:
- Add flour, salt, butter, and warm milk to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Knead for 8-10 minutes (by hand or stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour (until doubled in size).
5. Shape & Second Rise:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and let rise for 30 minutes.
6. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
7. Cool & Serve:
- Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Sweeter Bread: Add extra sugar or a touch of vanilla extract.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk & vegan butter.
- Softer Crust: Brush with melted butter after baking.
- Bread Flour vs. AP Flour: Bread flour creates a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour makes it lighter & softer.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Classic, Homemade
- Diet: Vegetarian
