Introduction

Making homemade bread is a rewarding and satisfying experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This simple recipe yields soft, golden loaves with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches or enjoying fresh with butter.

Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey or sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
4 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar or honey. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2: Add the remaining sugar or honey, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
Step 3: Gradually add another cup of flour and mix. Continue adding flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is smooth but slightly sticky.
Step 4: Knead the dough for 4-5 minutes on medium speed in a mixer, or 5-8 minutes by hand, until elastic and smooth.
Step 5: Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1.5 hours.
Step 6: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a log and place them in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
Step 7: Cover the loaves with greased plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let rise again for 45-60 minutes, until they rise about 1 inch above the pans.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves for 30-33 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Step 9: Remove the loaves from pans onto a wire rack. Brush the tops with butter and let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, substitute half the water with milk or add a tablespoon of butter to the dough.
Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a softer crumb.
If your kitchen is cool, extend the rising time or place the dough in a warm spot to help it rise.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze the loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, warm slices briefly in a toaster or oven.

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. Use about 25% less than the amount of active dry yeast called for and mix it directly with the flour before adding liquids.

Why is my bread dense instead of light and airy?

Dense bread can result from not kneading enough, insufficient rising time, or using water that is too hot, which can kill the yeast. Ensure you knead until smooth and elastic, allow the dough to double in size, and use water within the recommended temperature range.

Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

This homemade bread recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made from simple ingredients like yeast, flour, honey, and oil, the bread requires time for rising and baking to develop its delicious texture and flavor.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 33 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves (approximately 12 slices per loaf) 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
1/4 cup honey or sugar
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)

Dry Ingredients

1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
4 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar or honey. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Initial Mixing: Add the remaining honey or sugar, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
Incorporate More Flour: Gradually add another cup of flour and mix. Continue adding flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is smooth yet slightly sticky.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough using a stand mixer on medium speed for 4-5 minutes or knead by hand for 5-8 minutes until the dough is elastic and well-developed.
First Rise: Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1.5 hours.
Shape the Loaves: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
Second Rise: Cover the pans with greased plastic wrap or a towel, allowing the dough to rise again until it reaches about 1 inch above the pan edges, approximately 45-60 minutes.
Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30-33 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and Finish: Remove the loaves from the pans and invert them onto a wire rack. Brush the tops with melted butter and let them cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

Use warm water between 105°F and 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Adjust flour quantity as needed; dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Ensure to grease the loaf pans and cover during rising to prevent drying out.
Brushing with butter after baking adds flavor and keeps the crust soft.
The bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

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