Unlike store-bought loaves that often contain preservatives and additives, this homemade white bread is simple, wholesome, and made with basic pantry staples. The result? A soft, fluffy interior with a golden crust that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by baking bread, this recipe will change that. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and incredibly reliable. With just a little kneading and patience during the rise time, you’ll have bakery-quality bread right from your own oven.
Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
1. Simple Pantry Ingredients
This recipe uses everyday ingredients you likely already have: flour, yeast, milk, water, sugar, butter, and salt. No special equipment or complicated techniques required.
2. Soft and Fluffy Texture
The combination of warm milk and butter gives this bread a tender crumb that stays soft for days.
3. Perfect for Sandwiches
This loaf slices beautifully and holds its shape, making it ideal for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or French toast.
4. Beginner-Friendly
If you’re new to bread baking, this recipe is a fantastic starting point. The steps are clear, manageable, and easy to follow.
5. Freezer-Friendly
You can bake multiple loaves and freeze them for later. Homemade bread on demand? Yes, please.
6. Customizable
Once you master this base recipe, you can adapt it with herbs, seeds, whole wheat flour, or even a touch of honey.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this soft homemade white bread:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
Each ingredient plays an important role. The warm liquids activate the yeast, sugar feeds the yeast, butter adds tenderness, and salt enhances flavor while controlling yeast activity.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect results:
- Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly and foamy. This indicates the yeast is active. - Mix the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms and everything is well incorporated. - Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, soft, and elastic. If it feels sticky, add a small amount of flour, one tablespoon at a time. - First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow it to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. - Second Rise
Cover and let the dough rise again for 30–45 minutes until it has risen just above the rim of the pan. - Score the Top
Using a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes on the top. This helps control expansion while baking. - Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. - Cool Before Slicing
Remove from the pan and let cool completely before slicing to maintain structure.
Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these delicious variations:
Honey White Bread
Replace the sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey for a slightly sweeter loaf.
Herb Butter Bread
Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or rosemary to the dough for a savory twist.
Whole Wheat Blend
Substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and flavor.
Seeded Sandwich Bread
Sprinkle sesame seeds or oats on top before baking for texture and visual appeal.
Garlic Butter Bread
Brush melted garlic butter over the top immediately after baking for extra flavor.
FAQ
Why didn’t my bread rise?
Your yeast may be expired, or the liquid may have been too hot. The ideal temperature for activating yeast is around 100–110°F.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm liquids first and allow it to fully activate before adding other ingredients.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Internal temperature should be about 190–200°F.
Can I make this without milk?
You can substitute the milk with additional water, but the bread may be slightly less tender.
How should I store homemade bread?
Store in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Nutrition and Time Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 servings
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Homemade White Bread
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
Soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden, this Homemade White Bread is made with simple pantry ingredients and delivers bakery-style results every time. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter.
Ingredients
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 2¼ tsp instant yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1¼ tsp salt
– 3 tbsp softened butter
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add the flour, salt, and softened butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan.
6. Allow the loaf to rise again for 30–45 minutes.
7. Score the top of the loaf with diagonal slashes.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Making homemade white bread is more than just baking — it’s creating comfort from scratch. The process is therapeutic, the ingredients are simple, and the results are incredibly satisfying.
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Once you taste your own freshly baked loaf, it’s hard to go back to store-bought bread. Whether you use it for sandwiches, toast it for breakfast, or serve it alongside dinner, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
