Homemade White Bread Recipe – Soft, Fluffy, and Easy to Make
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked homemade white bread filling your kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy, this classic bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Bread-making dates back thousands of years, with early civilizations baking basic loaves using flour, water, and natural yeast. Over time, white bread became a household staple due to its light texture and versatility. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bake your own delicious, preservative-free white bread at home—warm, comforting, and far better than store-bought.
Homemade White Bread Recipe
Makes 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices
servings15
minutes25
minutes1,300-1,500
kcalThis Homemade White Bread is soft, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. With a golden crust and a light, airy texture, it’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh with butter. Say goodbye to store-bought bread and enjoy the warmth and freshness of a homemade loaf right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
2 tablespoons sugar (for slight sweetness and to activate yeast)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter (melted, plus extra for brushing)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water (110°F/45°C) and sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the bread rise. - Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the melted butter. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms. - Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much as it can make the bread dense. - First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. If your kitchen is cool, placing the bowl in a slightly warm oven (turned off) can help speed up the rising process. - Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a log. Place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, seam side down. - Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-40 minutes, or until it has puffed up just above the edges of the pan. - Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. - Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush the top with melted butter for extra softness. Let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade white bread fresh or toasted!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use Warm Water for Yeast Activation – Make sure the water is around 110°F (45°C). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate properly.
- Knead Until Smooth and Elastic – Proper kneading (for about 8-10 minutes) helps develop gluten, giving the bread its soft and airy texture. If the dough springs back when poked, it’s ready!
- Let the Bread Cool Before Slicing – It might be tempting to slice the bread right out of the oven, but letting it cool completely helps set the crumb and keeps it from becoming gummy.
Conclusion
There’s nothing more satisfying than baking your own homemade white bread—the warm aroma, the golden crust, and the soft, fluffy texture make it absolutely worth the effort! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a fresh and delicious loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. Plus, baking at home means no preservatives, just pure goodness. Give this recipe a try, and once you taste the homemade difference, you’ll never want store-bought bread again. Happy baking.
