White Bread: So Soft and Easy to Make at Home Recipe

Introduction

Freshly baked white bread is a comforting classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf perfect for sandwiches or toast. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll enjoy the warm aroma and taste of homemade bread in less than two hours.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
3. Step 3: Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
7. Step 7: Place the loaf in a greased bread pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let it cool before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a flavorful twist.
• Brush the top with melted butter right after baking for a softer crust.
• Ensure water is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature. Reheat slices in the toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast by mixing it directly with the flour and reducing the water slightly. There’s no need to proof instant yeast first.

Why did my bread not rise properly?

Common reasons include using water that’s too hot or cold, expired yeast, or not giving the dough enough time to rise. Make sure your yeast is active and keep the dough in a warm, draft-free place.

White Bread: So Soft and Easy to Make at Home Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 61 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x

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Description

This homemade white bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf that’s easy to make from scratch. Using simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and butter, this bread is perfect for sandwiches or toast and requires basic kneading and baking techniques ideal for beginner bakers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Add Butter and Salt: Stir in the melted unsalted butter and salt into the yeast-water mixture to ensure even distribution.
3. Mix Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients while mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for approximately 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a good texture.
5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Punch Down and Shape: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf suitable for your bread pan.
7. Second Rise: Transfer the dough loaf into a greased bread pan, cover again, and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffed up.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets and slicing is easy.

Notes

• Ensure water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast—ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C).
• Kneading is crucial for a soft texture; do not skip or shorten this step.
• Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
• You can substitute melted butter with olive oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 2-3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: white bread, homemade bread, soft bread, easy bread recipe, baking bread at home