Name: Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened), plus extra for greasing and brushing

Description

This easy homemade white bread recipe produces a soft, fluffy, and flavorful loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast. Using simple pantry staples and basic techniques, you can make fresh bread with a golden crust right in your oven. The step-by-step instructions guide you through mixing, kneading, rising, and baking to achieve a delicious result that’s great for everyday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened), plus extra for greasing and brushing

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Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix Dough: Add the softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for a good texture.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape Loaf: Punch down the dough to release the air, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes, until it slightly overflows the pan’s rim.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough rises.
Bake Bread: Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it is fully cooked.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, optionally brush with melted butter for a softer crust, then let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy use later.