White Bread Recipe: Homemade Soft and Fluffy
There’s something deeply satisfying about baking your own bread. From the smell wafting through the house to that first warm slice slathered in butter, this homemade white bread is pure comfort.
There’s something truly special about the smell of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen. Homemade white bread is a timeless classic that’s soft, fluffy, and perfect for everything from sandwiches to toast.
It may seem daunting to make bread from scratch, but with this easy recipe, you’ll have a golden loaf in no time.
The best party is you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a little time and basic ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this simple white bread recipe will have you baking like a pro. Once you taste the warm, soft slices fresh out of the oven, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought bread again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry—flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
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No Fancy Equipment: All you need is a bowl, spoon, and your hands. You don’t need a bread machine or mixer.
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Perfect Texture: This recipe creates a perfectly soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust that’s slightly crisp but not too hard.
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Versatile: Whether you want toast in the morning, sandwich bread for lunch, or something to snack on, this white bread fits the bill.
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Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’ve never made bread before, the step-by-step guide will walk you through it easily.
Ingredients for White Bread
Here’s everything you’ll need for one loaf of delicious white bread:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup milk (room temperature)
How to Make White Bread
- Start by dissolving the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy. This is called “proofing” the yeast, and it ensures that your yeast is alive and active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of the flour and the salt. You’ll add the rest of the flour later as needed to get the right consistency.
- Add the melted butter and room temperature milk to the yeast mixture. Then, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until it starts to form a dough.
- Sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface and transfer the dough to it. Begin kneading by pushing the dough down and folding it over itself. Continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, but be careful not to add too much or the bread will be dense.
- Once the dough is ready, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover the dough again with a damp towel and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes until it puffs up and almost doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when you tap it. You can also use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 190°F.
- Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Wait at least 15 minutes before slicing to let the bread settle (if you can resist the temptation!).
Variations of White Bread
One of the best things about white bread is how versatile it can be. Here are a few fun variations you can try:
- Whole Wheat White Bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Honey White Bread: Replace the sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey to give the bread a slightly sweet, richer flavor.
- Herbed White Bread: Add a tablespoon of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant loaf that’s great for savory sandwiches.
- Garlic White Bread: Mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder or add roasted garlic cloves to the dough for a delicious twist.
How to Serve White Bread
White bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Toast: Nothing beats a slice of warm toast with butter or jam for breakfast. I like mine with a spread of peanut butter and a drizzle of honey.
- Sandwiches: This bread is perfect for making hearty sandwiches. Try it with turkey, cheese, and avocado for a satisfying lunch.
- French Toast: Thick slices of white bread are ideal for French toast. The fluffy interior soaks up the egg mixture beautifully, making for a soft, delicious bite every time.
- Bread Pudding: Got leftover slices? Don’t let them go to waste. Use day-old bread to make a rich, custardy bread pudding.
- Grilled Cheese: Pair your homemade white bread with cheddar cheese for a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The soft, buttery bread crisps up beautifully in the pan.
Storing White Bread
To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. Just slice the bread first and store the slices in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, pop a slice into the toaster, and it’ll taste like it’s fresh from the oven.
