Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe for Beginners
This easy homemade white bread recipe is ideal for beginners, producing a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust and classic homemade flavor using simple pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle in the yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in salt and melted butter or oil. Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until the dough crowns slightly over the edge of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Brush the top with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
- Use milk instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Herbs, garlic powder, or seeds can be added for variation.
- Freeze individual slices for quick toastable portions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
