There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of a loaf of White Bread, still warm from the oven, filling your kitchen with that unmistakable comforting aroma. This classic recipe brings you back to childhood, with pillowy slices perfect for toasting, sandwiches, or just slathering with butter. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into homemade bread, you’ll love how easily this staple comes together—and once you taste your very own White Bread, you may never go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this White Bread recipe is in its handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Each plays a special role, from building a tender crumb to adding a hint of sweetness and a golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one deserves a spot in your kitchen:
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bread its classic soft structure, but you can swap for bread flour if you want more chew.
- Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the loaf rise high and light.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and keeps the bread from tasting flat or bland.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives a subtle touch of sweetness.
- Warm water (110°F): The perfect temperature to activate yeast without killing it—use a kitchen thermometer if you have one!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness, tenderness, and an irresistible taste to every slice.
How to Make White Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until it develops a foamy layer on top—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add your softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture, followed by 2 cups of the flour. Stir well to blend everything together into a thick batter.
Step 3: Add Remaining Flour and Knead
Gradually add the rest of the flour, half a cup at a time, mixing as you go. When the dough starts to pull away from the sides, turn it out onto a lightly floured countertop. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes—your dough should become smooth, elastic, and just a tiny bit tacky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough into a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a clean towel and set it in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, until it’s doubled in size. Watching the dough rise is part of the joy!
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Once your dough has puffed up, punch it down gently to release trapped air. Shape it into a loaf and nestle it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 to 40 minutes—you’re aiming for the dough to crest about an inch above the rim.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slide your loaf pan in and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is gloriously golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. For even more softness, lightly brush the top with extra melted butter after baking.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer your beautiful White Bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing so the crumb stays tender and fluffy.
How to Serve White Bread
Garnishes
Dress up your White Bread with a simple swipe of butter or a drizzle of honey while it’s still warm. For a savory twist, rub a cut garlic clove over toasted slices and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt or fresh herbs—delicious!
Side Dishes
White Bread is the ultimate companion for soups and stews, perfect for soaking up every last drop. Layer thick slices with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a classic caprese sandwich, or serve alongside scrambled eggs at breakfast for something extra comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your White Bread into cubes for homemade croutons to top salads, or make bread pudding for dessert. For a fun brunch, turn thick cut slices into indulgent French toast or grilled cheese—let the bread shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your White Bread as soft as the day it was baked, store slices in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature. Enjoy within three days for the best taste and texture, and avoid refrigeration, which can dry it out.
Freezing
White Bread freezes beautifully! Once fully cool, slice the loaf and freeze the slices in a sealed freezer bag. That way, you can grab one (or more) whenever a craving strikes—toast straight from frozen for ultimate freshness.
Reheating
Warm your White Bread slices in a toaster or low oven for a just-baked vibe. Spritz lightly with water before reheating to revive softness if needed, especially if the bread has been frozen or is a day old.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour gives your White Bread an even chewier texture and more structure. If you want a loaf that holds up especially well in sandwiches, bread flour is a great option.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
The most common culprit is inactive yeast—double-check that your water isn’t too hot or too cold, and always use fresh yeast. A chilly kitchen can also slow things down, so try placing the dough near a warm stove or in an oven with just the light on.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The top should be a deep golden brown and the loaf will sound hollow when tapped. If you like, you can use a thermometer; the inside should register at least 190°F.
Can I add seeds or herbs to the dough?
Definitely! Fold in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or chopped fresh herbs during the final mixing stage for your own custom White Bread twist. Just be careful not to overload the dough so it still rises nicely.
What’s the secret to extra soft White Bread?
Brushing the hot loaf with melted butter really does wonders for a tender, flavorful crust. Letting the bread cool before slicing also ensures you don’t lose precious steam that helps keep the crumb soft.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this homemade White Bread, you’ll see why it’s a staple worth returning to again and again. From the joy of kneading to the first warm slice, every step is as satisfying as the final bite. Give it a try—with practice, you’ll be baking loaves that make every meal feel a little more special!
Print
White Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade white bread with this simple recipe. Soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Knead and Rise: Add softened butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape and Bake: Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased pan. Let rise for 30–40 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter after baking.
- You can use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
