Easy Homemade White Bread

292cd374

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. This classic white bread recipe uses everyday ingredients and delivers a tender, sliceable loaf that’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, or just slathered in butter.

⏱️ Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf (10–12 slices)

🍳 Equipment:

9×5-inch loaf pan
Large mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Dough scraper or hands
Clean towel or plastic wrap
Oven

📝 Ingredients:

1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 ¾ to 3 cups all-purpose flour

🧾 Ingredient Notes:

Yeast: Active dry yeast must be proofed; you can also use instant yeast and skip the proofing step.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but bread flour will give slightly more chew.
Oil/Butter: Adds moisture and softness; butter gives a richer flavor.

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add Remaining Ingredients:

Stir in oil or melted butter and salt.
Add 2 ¾ cups of flour gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Add more flour (up to ¼ cup) as needed if dough is too sticky.

3. Knead the Dough:

Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.

4. First Rise:

Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat.
Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape & Second Rise:

Punch down the dough and shape it into a log.
Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes, or until the dough domes 1 inch above the pan.

6. Bake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 28–32 minutes until golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

7. Cool:

Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

📊 Nutrition (Per Slice, ~1 of 12):

Calories: ~140
Carbs: ~25g
Fat: ~3g
Protein: ~3g
Sugar: ~2g
Sodium: ~230mg

💡 Tips & Variations:

Tips:

For a shiny crust, brush with melted butter after baking.
Let bread cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Store in a sealed bag at room temp for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations: