Easy Homemade White Bread

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, and this Easy Homemade White Bread recipe makes it simple to achieve that bakery-worthy loaf at home. With a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can have soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a bit of butter. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer, this recipe is foolproof and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Easy Homemade White Bread

Here’s why this bread will quickly become your go-to recipe:

Simple Ingredients

With just a handful of pantry staples—flour, yeast, sugar, and salt—this bread is incredibly easy to make and requires little prep time.

Soft and Fluffy

This bread bakes up soft and airy with a light, fluffy crumb. It’s perfect for all your favorite spreads or as a side to any meal.

No Kneading Required

Unlike some bread recipes, this one doesn’t require kneading. Just mix, rise, and bake, making it ideal for beginners.

Versatile

Enjoy it on its own with a little butter, use it for sandwiches, or make croutons or bread crumbs from any leftovers.

Budget-Friendly

Instead of buying store-bought bread, make your own with inexpensive ingredients that you probably already have at home.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Easy Homemade White Bread:

All-Purpose Flour

This is the base of your bread, giving it structure and texture. Using all-purpose flour ensures the bread is soft without being too dense.

Active Dry Yeast

Yeast is what makes the bread rise, giving it that airy and light texture. Make sure your yeast is fresh to ensure the bread rises properly.

Sugar

Sugar feeds the yeast, helping it activate and giving the bread a subtle sweetness. It also contributes to the golden color of the crust.

Salt

Salt adds flavor and balances out the sweetness. It also helps regulate the yeast’s activity during the rising process.

Warm Water

The water activates the yeast. It should be warm, but not hot, to encourage the yeast to bloom without killing it.

Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to the bread, helping create a soft crumb and a golden, slightly crisp crust.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make your own homemade bread? Here’s how to do it:

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir the ingredients together until a dough forms. It should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

3. Let the Dough Rise

Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Remove it from the bowl and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges into the center and rolling it up tightly.

5. Prepare the Pan

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Place the shaped dough into the prepared pan, pressing it down gently to fit the shape of the pan.

6. Second Rise

Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.

7. Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature of the bread should reach 190°F (88°C).

8. Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve Easy Homemade White Bread

As Sandwich Bread

This homemade white bread makes a perfect base for sandwiches, whether you prefer classic turkey and cheese or a veggie-packed delight.

Toasted with Butter

Simply toast a slice and slather it with butter for a warm, comforting snack.

With Soup

Pair this bread with a bowl of your favorite soup or stew for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Make Croutons

Cut any leftover bread into cubes and toss with olive oil, herbs, and a bit of salt to make your own homemade croutons.

Additional Tips

• Test the Yeast: Always make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t foam after 10 minutes in warm water, it might be expired and you’ll need to use a new packet.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your butter is softened and that your water is warm but not hot. Too hot of water can kill the yeast.
• Store Properly: To keep your homemade bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for later use.
• Add Flavor: Try adding herbs like rosemary or garlic to the dough for a savory twist, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet variation.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A1: Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The bread will be denser but still delicious.

Q2: Can I freeze this bread?
A2: Yes! Once the bread is fully baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q3: Why did my bread not rise properly?
A3: Ensure that your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is warm (around 110°F or 43°C). Also, make sure the dough is rising in a warm, draft-free spot.

Q4: How can I make this bread more flavorful?
A4: You can add a tablespoon of honey or a teaspoon of garlic powder or herbs like rosemary for added flavor.

Q5: Can I make this bread without butter?
A5: Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor.

Q6: How can I get a crispier crust?
A6: For a crispier crust, you can place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking to create steam, or bake the bread for a few extra minutes.

Q7: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A7: Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just add it directly to the flour without needing to activate it in water.

Q8: My bread is too dense, what went wrong?
A8: This could be due to over-mixing the dough, not letting it rise enough, or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully and allow the dough to rise properly.

Q9: Can I make this in a bread machine?
A9: Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a bread machine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding ingredients and select the basic bread setting.

Q10: How do I know when the bread is done?
A10: The bread is done when it has a golden-brown top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Conclusion

Making your own bread at home has never been easier with this Easy Homemade White Bread recipe. With minimal ingredients and no kneading required, you can enjoy a warm, soft loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, toast, or just as a side, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the comfort of fresh-baked bread with every slice!

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