There’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. It’s the kind of aroma that makes everyone gather around the kitchen, eager to taste that warm, soft, pillowy goodness. This Easy Homemade White Bread recipe is perfect for when you want a simple, no-fuss loaf that’s soft on the inside with a golden, slightly crusty exterior. Plus, it’s so much easier than you think to make your own bread from scratch. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again.

Why You’ll Love Easy Homemade White Bread

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re making it for sandwiches, toast, or just to enjoy on its own with a little butter, this bread is as versatile as it gets. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, toasted with butter, or served alongside soups and stews.
Budget-Friendly: It’s made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a baker to make this! The recipe is simple and doesn’t take a lot of time.
Customizable: Feel free to add herbs, seeds, or even garlic for an extra flavor kick.
Crowd-Pleasing: This is the kind of bread that pleases everyone whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a loaf for yourself.

Ingredients in Easy Homemade White Bread

This white bread comes together with just a few basic ingredients that work together to create a soft, fluffy loaf:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, creating that soft and fluffy texture we all love.
Instant Yeast: The magic behind that perfect rise, giving the bread a light and airy texture.
Sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the bread.
Salt: Balances out the flavor and enhances the taste of the bread.
Water: Hydrates the dough, creating that perfect consistency.
Olive Oil (or Butter): Adds richness and helps keep the bread soft.
Milk: For a slightly softer crumb and a touch of richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on this delightful loaf of bread:

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and yeast. Stir it up and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix them together to ensure an even distribution of the salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture, milk, and olive oil (or melted butter) to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but don’t add too much it should still be slightly tacky to the touch.

Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size.

Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the sides inward and rolling it tightly.

Prepare the Pan: Grease a loaf pan (9×5 inches works great) and place the shaped dough into the pan. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F.

Finishing Touches: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Serve and Enjoy: This bread is delicious on its own, with a pat of butter, or as the base for your favorite sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 140
(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve Easy Homemade White Bread

This bread pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Toast it with butter and jam for a simple, satisfying breakfast.
• Use it for sandwiches ham and cheese, turkey, or even a veggie-packed sandwich.
• Serve alongside soups or stews for a comforting meal.
• Enjoy it as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Make sure your water is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast. Too hot and it could kill the yeast.
• If you like a thicker crust, brush the top of the dough with a little water before baking.
• For a soft loaf, avoid overbaking. A golden top is all you need!
• Store the bread in a bread box or airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
• If you want to add a little extra flavor, try mixing in herbs or garlic powder to the dough.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to activate the active dry yeast in warm water first, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

2. Can I make this dough in a stand mixer?
Yes! You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough. It will take about 5-7 minutes on low speed.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but keep in mind the bread may be denser and have a different texture. You may need to add a bit more water to the dough.

4. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Absolutely! After the first rise, punch it down, shape it, and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw and complete the second rise.

5. How do I know when my bread is done?
The bread should have a golden brown crust, and it should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature—it should be around 190°F.

6. Can I add herbs or garlic to the bread?
Yes, you can! Add them to the dough after the first rise for an extra flavor boost.

7. How should I store leftover bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it.

8. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use two loaf pans and bake them simultaneously or one after the other.

9. Why did my bread turn out dense?
It could be due to under-kneading or using too much flour. Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, and only add enough flour so it’s not too sticky.

10. Can I make this bread without milk?
Yes, you can use water or any non-dairy milk as a substitute for milk.

CONCLUSION

Easy Homemade White Bread is one of those simple recipes that brings a bit of joy to every bite. Soft, warm, and irresistibly delicious whether you’re using it for sandwiches or just enjoying it with butter, it’s a bread that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and get baking you won’t regret it!

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