Bread is a staple in many homes and can be the cornerstone of a healthy and balanced diet when made with the right ingredients. This Easy Homemade White Bread recipe is designed for those who want a simple, delicious, and homemade option for their daily bread needs. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying it fresh from the oven, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Making your own bread from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, and it often results in a fresher and more flavorful loaf than store-bought versions. This white bread recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking pan.

Key Benefits of Homemade White Bread:

  1. Simple Ingredients: Unlike store-bought bread that can contain additives and preservatives, homemade bread is made with basic, wholesome ingredients. This allows you to avoid unnecessary chemicals and refined sugars.
  2. Cost-Effective: Baking your own bread can save money, especially if you make it in large batches to enjoy throughout the week.
  3. Customizable: Feel free to adjust this recipe to your liking. You can add herbs, spices, or seeds to customize the flavor profile of the bread.
  4. Satisfying and Comforting: There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, and the taste is simply unbeatable.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade White Bread:

Before we begin, gather the following ingredients. This recipe yields 1 loaf of white bread:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional, for richness)

Notes:

  • You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a heartier texture.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free bread, simply skip the butter, and use olive oil throughout.

Instructions for Making Easy Homemade White Bread:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl or cup, combine 1 ¼ cups warm water with 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Next, sprinkle the 2 teaspoons active dry yeast over the water. Stir gently, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The yeast should begin to foam and bubble, indicating it is active and ready to use.

Pro Tip: Make sure the water is warm but not too hot. Water that is too hot (over 120°F / 49°C) can kill the yeast, resulting in a loaf that doesn’t rise properly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the yeast is activating, mix your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine. This simple mix of flour and salt forms the base of the bread dough.

Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast is ready, make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour the activated yeast mixture, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon melted butter (if using) into the well. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to gradually stir the mixture together. As you stir, the dough should start to form and come together.

Pro Tip: If the dough seems too sticky or too dry, add a little more flour or water as needed, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a slightly tacky but manageable consistency.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Once the dough begins to form, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by pressing it with your palms, folding it, and then turning it a quarter turn before repeating the process. Continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This is a crucial step that helps develop the gluten and gives your bread its structure.

Pro Tip: If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Once kneaded, place the dough in a large greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size. The yeast needs this time to work its magic, creating the air bubbles that will give the bread its light texture.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in the oven with the oven light on (but the oven off) to create a warm environment for rising.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface again and gently shape it into a loaf. You can shape it into a round or rectangular shape, depending on the type of loaf pan you’re using.

Grease your loaf pan with butter or oil and place the shaped dough into the pan. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. During this time, it will puff up and fill the pan.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking the bread. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing your loaf inside for the best results.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Once the dough has risen in the loaf pan, it’s time to bake! Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The bread should be golden brown on top, and if you tap it lightly, it should sound hollow.

Pro Tip: If you want an even softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven. This adds richness and shine.

Step 9: Cool the Bread

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. This prevents the bread from becoming gummy and ensures you get clean slices.

Nutritional Information for Easy Homemade White Bread (per slice, based on 12 slices per loaf):

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugar: 1g
  • Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Potassium: 80mg
  • Calcium: 30mg
  • Iron: 1mg

Weight Watchers Points (WW Freestyle SmartPoints):

  • Blue Plan: 3 points per slice
  • Green Plan: 3 points per slice
  • Purple Plan: 2 points per slice

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.)

Tips for Success:

  1. Storing Homemade White Bread: Keep your freshly baked bread in a breadbox or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. If you plan to store it for a longer period, consider freezing individual slices to maintain freshness.
  2. Making It Your Own: Want to add flavor to your white bread? Feel free to experiment by adding herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), seeds (like sunflower or sesame), or garlic to the dough before baking. This will elevate the flavor and make it uniquely yours.
  3. Troubleshooting Common Problems:
    • Dense Bread: If your bread is dense, it could be due to under-kneading, using old yeast, or not allowing it enough time to rise. Ensure the dough is kneaded well and rises sufficiently.
    • Uneven Rise: If the bread doesn’t rise evenly, it could be due to uneven heat in your oven. Consider rotating the pan halfway through baking to ensure uniform baking.
  4. Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s easy to handle. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water, one teaspoon at a time.
  5. Make-Ahead Option: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Punch it down, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Conclusion: The Perfect Slice Every Time

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a slice of fresh, homemade white bread. It’s comforting, simple, and versatile, and this easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can enjoy a bakery-quality loaf in the comfort of your own home. Whether you enjoy it as a base for sandwiches, a side to soups and salads, or toasted with butter, this white bread will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.

Remember, homemade bread is not just about the end result—it’s about enjoying the process of baking, and the joy that comes from crafting something delicious from scratch. With this guide, you’ll be able to make a perfect loaf of white bread every time, and enjoy the rewards of your efforts. Happy baking!