EASY HOMEMADE WHITE BREAD RECIPE
This easy homemade white bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with simple ingredients, it’s beginner-friendly and yields a fresh, warm loaf with a golden crust every time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Activate Yeast:
- In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead Dough:
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise:
- Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until doubled.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Cool:
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight for a slow rise.
- Customizing the Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon dried herbs or garlic powder for extra flavour.
- Serving Suggestions: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside soups and salads.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: Use gluten-free flour blends and yeast alternatives for gluten sensitivity.
- Storage Tips: Store bread in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze slices for longer storage.