Introduction
There’s nothing better than the smell of fresh homemade bread filling your kitchen. This easy white bread recipe is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with a little butter. It’s simple enough for beginners and gives you bakery-quality results right at home.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
1/4 cup warm milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter (softened) or oil
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt
Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and butter
Mix until a soft dough forms
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf
Place it in a greased loaf pan
Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown
Let cool before slicing
Method
This bread uses a classic yeast method. Activating the yeast first ensures a good rise. Kneading develops gluten, giving the bread its soft and stretchy texture. Two rises help create a light, airy loaf with a tender crumb.
Benefits
Homemade bread has no preservatives
You can control ingredients and reduce sugar or salt
Fresh, soft texture and better flavor than store-bought
Budget-friendly and satisfying to make
Nutrition
Calories:
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Tips
Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast
If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour gradually
For a softer crust, brush the top with butter after baking
Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer
Conclusion
This easy homemade white bread is a must-try recipe for any home baker. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll get a soft and delicious loaf every time. Once you try it, you might never go back to store-bought bread.