If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling a warm, golden loaf out of the oven that smells like pure comfort, then this Homemade White Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of soft, fluffy crumb with a slightly crisp crust, making every slice a slice of pure joy. Nothing compares to the taste and satisfaction of bread you made yourself, and this recipe breaks it down into approachable steps that yield bakery-worthy results every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect loaf. They work together to give your bread its tender texture, lovely aroma, and beautiful color, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the best magic.
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C): Just warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it, setting the stage for a nice rise.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This little powerhouse brings your dough to life with lift and airiness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness that balances the overall flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour): The main structure builder; bread flour will yield a chewier texture while all-purpose keeps it tender.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity for a well-balanced loaf.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the crumb soft and moist.
- ½ cup warm milk: Gives the bread a tender crumb and helps develop a lovely golden crust.
How to Make Homemade White Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by pouring the warm water into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface, then add the sugar. Gently stir and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s bubbly and foamy. This blooming process confirms that your yeast is alive and ready to do its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mixing the salt in with the flour helps distribute it evenly so it doesn’t inhibit the yeast’s action when you add the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter and warm milk to the bubbly yeast mixture, stirring until the butter is mostly melted into the mix. This blend is key for a soft, tender crumb that feels like a warm hug.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment if using a stand mixer. When the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface to knead.
Step 5: Knead To Perfection
Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, giving your bread the structure it needs to rise beautifully and hold its shape.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. This rise is what fills your bread with those delightful air pockets.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Punch down the risen dough gently and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased bread pan, cover again, and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes. When the dough has risen just above the edges of the pan, bake it in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown on top and hollow sounding when tapped. Cool on a rack before slicing.
How to Serve Homemade White Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this homemade bread is in its simplicity, but a little garnish like a light brush of melted butter or a sprinkle of herbs (think fresh rosemary or thyme) can make it extra special. Toasted, it becomes an irresistible base for spreadable delights, too.
Side Dishes
This white bread is the ultimate companion for soups, stews, and salads. It soaks up brothy goodness or adds a creamy crunch to leafy greens, making it a trusty sidekick to almost any meal on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf thickly and serving it as warm open-faced sandwiches with melted cheese and tomato, or turn it into croutons for a crisp salad topping. Even simple grilled cheese sandwiches feel elevated with this freshly baked white bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry the bread out faster, making it less delightful to eat.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Homemade White Bread Recipe longer, slice it before freezing and store the slices in a resealable freezer bag. This lets you pull out exactly what you need without thawing the whole loaf.
Reheating
Bring frozen or day-old bread back to life by popping slices into a toaster or warming the whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes wrapped in foil. This step restores the crust’s crispness and the crumb’s softness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! You can substitute part or all of the flour with whole wheat, but keep in mind the texture will be denser and have a nuttier flavor. You might need a bit more water as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
Why did my bread not rise?
Common reasons include using water that is too hot or too cold, expired yeast, or not giving the dough enough time to rise. Make sure the water is lukewarm and your yeast is fresh and active.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! This recipe works perfectly with hand mixing and kneading on a floured surface. It’s a bit of a workout but very rewarding.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The loaf should be a golden brown color on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese?
Definitely! Add-ins like dried herbs, garlic powder, shredded cheese, or olives can be folded into the dough during mixing to create flavorful variations of this classic loaf.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own homemade bread is such a joyous and rewarding experience, and this Homemade White Bread Recipe makes it approachable no matter your level. Once you try it, you’ll see how fresh, soft, and utterly delicious bread from your own kitchen can be. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every warm, fragrant slice!
Print
Homemade White Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 30m
- Cook Time: 35m
- Total Time: 2h 5m
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade white bread recipe yields a soft, tender loaf with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Using simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this bread is a delicious and rewarding baking project for any level of baker.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup warm milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Other
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast along with the sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and softened butter. Stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes on medium speed.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Second rise: Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until it has risen about 1 inch above the pan.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a softer crumb.
- The water and milk should be warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce added salt slightly.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
- Store the loaf wrapped in foil or a bread box to keep it fresh for several days.
