Description

Discover how to make the best soft and fluffy homemade white bread from scratch with this easy step-by-step recipe. Perfect for sandwiches and toast, this bread uses simple, wholesome ingredients and traditional kneading and rising techniques, resulting in fresh, preservative-free loaves with unbeatable flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic White Bread Ingredients

2 cups warm water
1/4 cup sugar
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp dry yeast (fresh)
2 tsp salt
3 tbsp softened butter

Optional Add-ons for Variations

Dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, oregano) for herb bread
Cinnamon and sugar for cinnamon swirl bread
Minced garlic and olive oil for garlic bread

Equipment Checklist

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
Medium-sized greased loaf pans (2)

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water with 1/4 cup sugar, stirring until dissolved. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, confirming the yeast is active.
Mix the dough: In a separate bowl, combine 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons salt, and 3 tablespoons softened butter. Rub the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips until crumbly. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix with a spoon until a dough starts to form.
Knead the dough: Knead the sticky dough by hand inside the bowl for 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic, avoiding adding extra flour.
First rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm, dark place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. If using rapid rise yeast, the rise takes about 35 minutes.
Shape the loaves: Gently punch down the dough to release air. On a floured surface, divide the dough into two portions and shape each into a loaf. Place each loaf in a greased loaf pan.
Second rise: Let the shaped dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, until the dough is about 1 inch above the pan rims.
Bake the bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Cool and enjoy: Remove the bread from pans and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to maintain texture and flavor. Serve with butter, jam, or spreads as desired.

Notes

Always verify that your yeast is fresh for a good rise.
Water temperature is critical—too hot kills yeast, too cold prevents activation. Aim for warm, not hot, water around 105-110°F (40-43°C).
Do not over-flour the dough to keep bread soft and airy.
A warm, slightly heated oven (turned off) makes a great spot for dough rising.
For longer freshness, store bread in an airtight container up to 4 days or freeze tightly wrapped up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade white bread, bread from scratch, soft bread, fluffy bread, baking bread at home, easy bread recipe, yeast bread