Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples, making it easy to prepare.
Quick Preparation: The dough comes together swiftly, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked bread in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of a tender interior and a golden crust creates a perfect harmony of taste and texture.

Ingredients

2 cups warm water
1/4 cup sugar
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons softened butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a separate bowl, combine 5 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 3 tablespoons of softened butter. Mix until the butter is evenly distributed. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough in the bowl for 8-10 minutes. The dough will be sticky, but this is normal. Avoid adding extra flour.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, dark place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf. Place each loaf in a well-greased loaf pan.
Second Rise: Let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it rises about 1 inch above the edge of the pans.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Cool and Enjoy: Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes two standard loaves.
Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Baking Time: 25 minutes.

Variations

Whole Wheat Bread: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier loaf.
Herb Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an aromatic twist.
Cinnamon Swirl: Roll the dough with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before shaping it into loaves.
Garlic Bread: Mix in minced garlic and a touch of olive oil for savory bread perfect with pasta.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked flavor.

FAQs

What makes homemade white bread better than store-bought?

Homemade bread offers unmatched flavor and texture, free from preservatives and additives.

Can I use milk instead of water in this recipe?

While the recipe calls for water, you can substitute it with milk for a richer flavor and softer texture.

How can I prevent my bread from being too dense?

Ensure you’re using fresh yeast and avoid adding too much flour during kneading. The dough should be soft but manageable.

Can I add seeds or nuts to the bread?

Yes, you can fold in seeds like sunflower or sesame, or nuts like walnuts, during the mixing stage for added texture and flavor.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread should be golden brown on top. You can also tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, it’s done.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Why is my bread not rising properly?

This could be due to expired yeast, water that’s too hot or too cold, or a drafty environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is between 100-110°F (37-43°C).

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough after the first rise. When ready to bake, let it thaw and complete the second rise before baking.

How can I make the crust softer?

For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.

Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a bread machine on the dough setting to mix and knead the dough, then proceed with the rising and baking steps as directed.

Conclusion

Baking white bread from scratch is a rewarding process that results in a soft, flavorful loaf perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy homemade bread that surpasses store-bought options in taste and quality. Happy baking!

the Best White Bread from Scratch

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Learn how to make the best homemade white bread from scratch with simple ingredients and easy steps. This recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust—perfect for sandwiches, toast, or any meal. Freshly baked bread will fill your home with an irresistible aroma!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 2 standard loaves
Category: Bread, Homemade
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 cups warm water
1/4 cup sugar
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons softened butter

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast – In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve, then sprinkle yeast over the mixture. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
Mix the Dough – In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and butter. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until dough forms.
Knead the Dough – Knead dough in the bowl for 8-10 minutes. The dough will be sticky, but avoid adding more flour.
First Rise – Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise for 1-2 hours, until it doubles in size.
Shape the Loaves – Punch down the dough, divide into two portions, and shape each into a loaf. Place in greased loaf pans.
Second Rise – Let the dough rise for 30-45 minutes, until it rises 1 inch above the pan edge.
Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy – Let cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For a richer texture, substitute milk for water.
Add dried herbs like rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Try cinnamon swirl bread by rolling the dough with cinnamon and sugar before shaping.
For garlic bread, mix in minced garlic and olive oil.