Homemade White Bread Recipe

There’s No Place Like Home for Fresh-Baked Bread

Making homemade white bread is not just about the final product—it’s about the process. From the moment you mix the ingredients to the smell wafting through your kitchen, this recipe brings warmth and comfort to your home. Whether you’re making bread for your family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and utterly satisfying.

What Makes This Bread So Good?

1. Soft and Fluffy Texture: Achieved by the perfect balance of ingredients and two rises, this bread is tender yet holds its shape.
2. Versatile Use: Whether you want sandwiches, toast, or garlic bread, this loaf is the perfect base.
3. Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples, this recipe is affordable and accessible.
4. No Preservatives: Unlike store-bought bread, you know exactly what goes into this loaf.
5. Beginner-Friendly: Clear instructions and forgiving dough make this an excellent recipe for novice bakers.

Customization Ideas

This basic bread recipe is the perfect canvas for customization. Here are some ways to make it your own:

1. Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
2. Sweet Bread: Add 1/2 cup of raisins and a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a delicious breakfast option.
3. Herb Bread: Mix 1–2 teaspoons of dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning into the flour for a fragrant and savory twist.
4. Cheese Bread: Knead in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy loaf.
5. Garlic Bread: Add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder to the dough, and brush the crust with melted garlic butter before baking.
6. Seeded Loaf: Sprinkle sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Troubleshooting Section

Even experienced bakers encounter challenges. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:

1. Bread Didn’t Rise:
   • Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If the yeast mixture doesn’t bubble, the yeast may be expired.
   • Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free place for rising.
2. Dough is Too Sticky:
   • Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is soft but no longer sticky. Avoid adding too much flour, as it can make the bread dense.
3. Bread is Dense:
   • Make sure the dough rises fully during both proofing stages. Dense bread often results from under-rising.
   • Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten structure.
4. Crust is Too Hard:
   • Brush the crust with melted butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.
5. Bread is Too Dry:
   • Ensure you measure the flour correctly; too much flour can dry out the bread.
   • Store the bread in an airtight container or bag to maintain freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
   • Absolutely! This recipe is easy to knead by hand. It just requires a bit of elbow grease—knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?
   • The dough should be smooth and elastic. A good test is the “windowpane test”: stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it forms a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, it’s ready.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
   • Yes! Freeze the baked and cooled loaves in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat if desired.
4. Can I double this recipe?
   • Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just ensure your mixing bowl and oven have enough space.
5. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   • Yes, bread flour works great and can create a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.

Why You’ll Love Making Homemade Bread

Making bread at home connects you to an age-old tradition. There’s a certain magic in seeing simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast, and sugar—transform into something extraordinary. This recipe gives you the confidence to bake like a pro, even if it’s your first attempt.

From the soft texture to the golden crust, every slice tells a story of comfort, care, and homemade love. Share it with your family, or keep it all for yourself—either way, this bread will become a staple in your kitchen.

Additional Tips for Storing Homemade Bread

Proper storage helps keep your homemade bread fresh and soft for as long as possible. Here are a few tips to ensure your loaves stay delicious:

1. Room Temperature:
   • Store at room temperature in an airtight container or bread box for up to 3 days. Make sure the bread is completely cooled before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Plastic Bag:
   • A plastic bag can help keep the crust soft. Just make sure the bag is airtight, and it will preserve the bread for a couple of days.
3. Freezing Bread:
   • Freeze for longer storage: Once the bread has cooled completely, slice it into pieces and store in a freezer-safe bag. For whole loaves, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
   • Thawing: Thaw frozen bread at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave slices for 10-20 seconds or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Refreshing Stale Bread:
   • If your bread starts to get stale, you can revive it by lightly sprinkling it with water and placing it in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes. The moisture will help refresh the crust and texture.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Homemade White Bread

Homemade white bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways beyond the standard sandwich. Here are some creative ideas for serving your delicious loaf:

1. Toast with Toppings:
   • Slice your bread and toast it with a layer of butter, jam, or honey. You can also top it with avocado, cream cheese, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for a quick snack or breakfast.
2. French Toast:
   • Use day-old bread to make French toast. Dip slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then fry in butter until golden brown. Top with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
3. Bread Pudding:
   • Transform leftover bread into a comforting dessert with a bread pudding. Cube the bread, soak it in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, then bake with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
   • Make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich with your homemade bread. The thick, soft slices work great for holding melty cheese and a crispy, golden crust.
5. Croutons:
   • Cut your bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes to make croutons. Perfect for adding to salads or soups.
6. Garlic Bread:
   • Spread your bread with garlic butter (butter mixed with garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt), then bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until golden brown for the best homemade garlic bread.
7. Bread for Dipping:
   • Serve thick slices of your homemade bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping or alongside a hearty soup or stew.

Final Thoughts

This homemade white bread recipe is more than just a basic loaf—it’s a versatile and comforting addition to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven with butter or using it to create mouthwatering sandwiches and snacks, the possibilities are endless. The soft, fluffy texture and delicious flavor make this bread a must-have in your kitchen.

By customizing it with herbs, seeds, or even cheese, you can create a version of this bread that’s uniquely yours. And with simple storage techniques, you can keep your homemade loaves fresh for days or even freeze them for later enjoyment.

Bake, slice, and enjoy the wonderful, timeless pleasure of homemade bread!

Homemade White Bread Recipe

Jana Rae

Learn how to make soft, fluffy homemade white bread with this simple recipe. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh out of the oven!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Rise Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Bread

Cuisine American

Servings 2 loaves

Calories 130 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 ¼ tsp 1 packet rapid yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter or shortening (melted)
• 6 ½-7 ½ cups all-purpose flour (adjust as needed for a soft dough)

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Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 cups of flour, sugar, and salt. Reserve additional flour for kneading.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and the rapid yeast (2 1/4 tsp). Mixing the yeast directly into the dry ingredients ensures even distribution.
• Add the 2 cups lukewarm water and melted butter (or shortening) to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes), adding reserved flour as needed. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
• Punch down the dough, shape into loaves or rolls, and place in greased pans. Cover and let rise again until doubled (about 30–45 minutes).
• Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes for loaves or 18–20 minutes for rolls, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.

Notes

Recipe Notes:

• Measuring Flour:
  • For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in a dense loaf.
• Water Temperature:
  • Ensure the water is lukewarm (100–110°F). Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while cold water will slow the rising process.
• Kneading the Dough:
  • Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, aim for 8–10 minutes; with a stand mixer, 6–8 minutes with a dough hook works well.
• Proofing Environment:
  • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. If your kitchen is cool, you can create a proofing environment by placing the bowl in an oven with the light on (but the oven off).
• Adjusting Flour:
  • Start with 6 cups of flour and add more, 1/4 cup at a time, as needed. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
• Shaping the Loaves:
  • When shaping the dough for the second rise, ensure there are no air pockets by pressing gently and rolling tightly. This helps the loaf bake evenly.
• Testing for Doneness:
  • The bread is done when the crust is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should be 190°F.
• Soft Crust Option:
  • Brush the hot bread with melted butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.
• Storing Bread:
  • Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
• Make-Ahead Tip:
  • The dough can be prepared ahead of time, shaped into loaves, and refrigerated overnight. Let the dough come to room temperature before baking the next day.