There’s something about the smell of freshly baked bread that makes the house feel warm and welcoming, isn’t there? If you’ve ever wanted to bake your own bread but felt intimidated by all the steps and ingredients, this Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe is here to change that. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll be enjoying soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden loaves of bread that you made yourself. Trust me, there’s no better feeling than slicing into your own homemade bread.
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This recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start baking bread sooner. Plus, there’s no kneading required—just mix, let it rise, and bake. Simple, right? And the best part? It makes your kitchen smell like heaven while it’s baking. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Easy Homemade White Bread
Beginner-Friendly
Don’t worry if you’ve never baked bread before. This recipe is perfect for beginners. No complicated techniques or fancy tools needed—just basic ingredients and a little time.
Soft and Fluffy
This bread is light and airy, with a tender crumb that will melt in your mouth. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with a bit of butter.
Simple Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy to make this bread. You likely already have all the ingredients in your kitchen. Simple, straightforward, and oh-so-delicious.
Versatile
This bread is incredibly versatile. You can use it for everything from classic PB&Js to a hearty turkey sandwich, or even serve it with a bowl of soup. It’s the perfect all-purpose bread.
No Kneading Required
This recipe eliminates the need for hand-kneading. You’ll mix the dough, let it rise, and then bake. It’s that easy!
Ingredients in Easy Homemade White Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet delicious bread:
All-Purpose Flour: The main ingredient that gives the bread its structure and texture.
Instant Yeast: Yeast helps the dough rise and creates that lovely airy texture inside the bread.
Sugar: Just a little bit to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness.
Salt: To enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
Warm Water: Warm water activates the yeast, helping it rise and make the bread fluffy.
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get that bread baking!
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir it up and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Mix the Ingredients: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until it forms a dough. Then, add the oil and mix until fully incorporated. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. You’ll know it’s ready when you gently poke the dough, and the indentation stays.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, then shape it into a loaf by folding the sides inward and rolling it tightly. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a cloth and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, until it’s about 1 inch above the top of the pan. This second rise is key to getting that perfect texture.
Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing—if you can wait that long!
Serve and Enjoy: Slice up your homemade bread and enjoy it however you like—whether with a slather of butter, as the base for a sandwich, or just on its own with a cup of tea.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 120–150 (approximate)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
How to Serve Easy Homemade White Bread
This bread is so versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are a few ideas:
With Butter or Jam: A classic! Spread some butter or your favorite jam on a fresh slice of this warm bread for a simple, comforting snack.
For Sandwiches: Use it for all your favorite sandwiches—from a classic BLT to a hearty turkey and cheese. The soft texture is perfect for any filling.
With Soup or Salad: Serve it alongside a bowl of soup or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.
Toast: Toast it up for breakfast and top with peanut butter, honey, or avocado for a nutritious start to your day.
Additional Tips
Use Warm Water, Not Hot: Be sure the water is warm but not too hot—if it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 100°F and 110°F.
Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Giving the dough time to rise is crucial for getting that fluffy texture. Be patient!
Add a Twist: You can make this recipe your own by adding herbs, cheese, or garlic to the dough before baking for a fun flavor variation.
Storage Tips: Store your bread in an airtight container or bread box to keep it fresh for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months—just toast them up when you’re ready to enjoy.
Make It Whole Wheat: If you prefer whole wheat bread, simply substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You may need to adjust the water slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A1: Yes! You can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it first by dissolving it in warm water with sugar and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Q2: Can I make this bread without oil?
A2: Yes, you can omit the oil, but it will affect the texture a little. The bread may be a bit less tender.
Q3: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A3: The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, it should read about 190°F when inserted into the center.
Q4: Can I freeze this bread?
A4: Yes! Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature or toast slices as needed.
Q5: Can I add mix-ins like seeds or nuts?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add seeds, nuts, or even dried fruit to the dough before the first rise. Just fold them in gently.
Q6: What’s the best way to store leftover bread?
A6: Store it in a bread box or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want it to last longer, freeze slices individually.
Q7: Can I make this recipe into rolls instead of a loaf?
A7: Yes! Simply divide the dough into smaller portions, shape them into rolls, and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise and bake for 15–20 minutes.
Q8: What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
A8: If your dough isn’t rising, it might be because the yeast is old or the water was too hot. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm, not hot.
Q9: How long should I let the bread cool before slicing?
A9: Let the bread cool for at least 15–20 minutes on a wire rack to set the texture and prevent it from becoming soggy when sliced.
Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger bowl for mixing and a bigger pan for baking, and allow for a little extra rise time.
Conclusion
Making homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh, fluffy bread without the fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this bread is simple, satisfying, and always delicious. Get ready to enjoy the homemade bread of your dreams!
Print
Easy Homemade White Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Baking, Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Homemade White Bread is the perfect recipe for beginners! With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make your own fresh, healthier bread at home. The addition of maple syrup brings a subtle sweetness, making it a perfect companion to any meal. Enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1/8 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 Packet Active Dry Yeast
- 1/8 cup Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of flour with maple syrup, yeast, olive oil, and warm water. Stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining flour and salt to the mixture. Stir to combine. Let the dough rest for an additional 10 minutes.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Avoid using too much flour to keep the dough from becoming too dry.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a glass or steel bowl that’s been oiled or buttered. Cover and let it rise for about 90 minutes, until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Proof: Roll up the dough and place it into a buttered or oiled 9×5 loaf pan. Allow the dough to proof for about 1 hour until it rises above the top of the pan.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter. Bake for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and pan. Place it on a cooling rack and let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use honey instead of maple syrup.
- If you prefer a lighter bread, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg