Introduction

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked white bread filling your home. This recipe is simple and produces a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or toast. Even beginners can enjoy making this classic bread with ease.

White Bread: So Soft and Easy to Make at Home! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
Step 7: Place the loaf in a greased bread pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Let the bread cool before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For an extra soft crust, brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking.
Try substituting half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
Adding a teaspoon of milk powder can enrich the flavor and softness of the bread.
Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to make kneading easier and quicker.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm slices in a toaster or oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast but reduce the amount slightly and mix it directly with the flour without proofing it in water first.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Make sure your water is warm but not hot, as high temperature can kill the yeast. Also, check if your yeast is fresh and active by proofing it before using.

White Bread: So Soft and Easy to Make at Home! Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 62 reviews

This classic white bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf that’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients. Perfect for sandwiches or toasting, this bread combines warm water, yeast, and butter for a tender crumb and golden crust.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 slices) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Add Wet and Salt: Stir in melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring to form a rough dough.
Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Shape Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf form.
Second Rise: Place the loaf into a greased bread pan, cover, and let it rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.

Notes

Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate yeast without killing it.
For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter right after baking.
If you want a sweeter bread, increase sugar slightly but be cautious as too much can inhibit yeast.
Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Keywords: white bread, homemade bread, soft bread, easy bread recipe, yeast bread