The Best White Bread from Scratch

Making white bread from scratch might sound intimidating, but this simple recipe proves that it’s easier than you think! With just a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create soft, fluffy loaves of bread that are perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade white bread recipe is ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The bread comes out soft, fluffy, and perfect for a wide variety of uses. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, making a hearty sandwich, or simply toasting it for a quick snack, this bread will not disappoint. The best part? You can control exactly what goes into it, ensuring a fresh, wholesome loaf every time. The dough is forgiving, and the process is straightforward, so you won’t have to worry about complicated techniques.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups warm water

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 5 cups flour

• 2 tsp yeast

• 2 tsp salt

• 3 tbsp softened butter

Directions

1. In a liquid measuring cup, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to activate the yeast.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and softened butter. Use your hands to mix everything together, gently rubbing the butter into the flour until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.

3. Once the crumbly texture forms, add the activated yeast water and stir until a dough begins to form.

4. Knead the dough in the bowl for 8-10 minutes. It will be sticky, but do your best not to add flour, as this is normal for the recipe.

5. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.

6. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, dark place for 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. If you’re using rapid-rise yeast, it will take about 35 minutes.

7. Punch the dough down gently to release air bubbles. On a floured surface, divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf.

8. Grease two loaf pans with butter and place each loaf inside. Let the dough rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until it rises about 1 inch above the edge of the pans.

9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

10. Once baked, remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.

11. After cooling, slice the bread and enjoy with your favorite spread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 loaves

• Prep Time: 3 hours

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: You can mix in herbs, garlic powder, or cheese to give the bread a unique flavor.

• Whole Wheat Option: If you prefer whole wheat bread, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

• Sweet Bread: Add a tablespoon of honey or more sugar to sweeten the bread for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To extend freshness, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable bag.

• Freezing: You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: To reheat slices, simply toast them or wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know if the yeast is activated properly?

To check if your yeast is active, it should foam up and bubble after 5-10 minutes of sitting in the warm water and sugar mixture.

Can I use cold water instead of warm water?

Using cold water will not activate the yeast properly, so it’s important to use warm water between 100°F to 110°F (37°C to 43°C).

Is it necessary to knead the dough by hand?

While kneading by hand is traditional, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough more quickly and with less effort.

How long does it take for the dough to rise?

The dough should rise for about 1-2 hours for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise, depending on room temperature.

Why is my dough sticky?

A sticky dough is normal for this recipe and helps create the soft, fluffy texture of the bread. Avoid adding extra flour.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

Yes, you can use oil instead of butter, but the bread might have a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I make this bread using a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine for the kneading and rising stages, but you will still need to bake it in a conventional oven.

What type of flour is best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is best for this recipe. However, if you prefer a denser loaf, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make more bread, just make sure you have enough space to knead the dough and place the loaves in pans.

Can I use rapid-rise yeast for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rapid-rise yeast, which will speed up the rising time. The dough should rise in about 35 minutes instead of 1-2 hours.

Conclusion

Making bread from scratch is a rewarding experience, and this white bread recipe makes it simple, even for beginners. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on effort, you can enjoy homemade bread that’s soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you use it for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to a meal, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!