Description
This Easy Homemade White Bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and butter, this classic bread is risen twice for the best texture and baked to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or more for greasing)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Combine dough: Pour the yeast mixture and melted butter into the flour well. Stir with a wooden spoon or hands until dough begins to form.
- Knead dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, adding a dusting of flour if sticky, until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place dough inside, turning to coat with oil. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough: Release air by pressing down on dough. Shape into a loaf by folding edges inward and rolling tightly. Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover loaf pan with a towel and let dough rise 30-40 minutes until it rises about 1 inch above pan edge.
- Bake bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake loaf 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).
- Cool and slice: Cool bread in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is warm but not hot to avoid killing yeast.
- Add flour gradually during kneading to avoid a dry loaf.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment helps yeast activity.
- Use a thermometer to check bread for perfect doneness.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
