Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy the comforting aroma and soft texture of Easy Homemade White Bread. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create delicious, fresh bread perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Step 2: Add the flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Step 6: Place the loaf on a greased baking pan or in a loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
- If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise inside an oven with the light on for a cozy environment.
Storage
Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped loosely in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast slices or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving it in water first.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature—it should be around 190°F (88°C).
PrintEasy Homemade White Bread Recipe
This Easy Homemade White Bread recipe offers a simple and rewarding way to bake soft, fluffy white bread from scratch using basic pantry ingredients. Ideal for beginners, the bread features a golden crust and tender crumb, perfect for sandwiches or toast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and oil, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough gently to release gas. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until it puffs up above the pan edges.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- Use warm water around 110°F to activate yeast properly; water that’s too hot can kill the yeast.
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter right after baking.
- Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for 2-3 days.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- If you want to make the bread gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust liquid quantities accordingly.
Keywords: homemade bread, white bread recipe, easy bread, from scratch bread, yeast bread
