If you’ve ever dreamed of the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, this Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s simple enough for beginners yet delivers that soft, fluffy crumb and golden crust that tastes like a warm hug from your oven. With basic pantry staples, you can create a loaf that transforms any meal, snack, or sandwich into something special. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this timeless classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this homemade bread lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that soft texture and rich flavor that you’ll adore.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups, plus more as needed): The foundation for your bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet or 2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and gives the bread its airy texture.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances flavor without overpowering, and controls yeast activity.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness balancing the crust’s flavor.
- Warm water (1 cup at about 110°F): Activates the yeast to start the fermentation process.
- Warm milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the crumb.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Infuses richness and keeps the bread soft.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for greasing): Prevents sticking and helps the crust develop a light sheen.
How to Make Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This tells you that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic for your Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the softened butter, salt, and 2 1/2 cups of the flour to your yeast mixture. Stir everything together until you see a shaggy dough starting to form. This stage is where the foundation is laid for a dough that will hold its shape and texture beautifully.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Gradually sprinkle in the remaining flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, and knead either by hand or with a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook. Keep kneading for 8 to 10 minutes by hand—or about 5 minutes in the mixer—until your dough is smooth, elastic, and just a little tacky to the touch. This effort builds the gluten network that gives your bread that perfect chewiness.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a bowl lightly greased with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough should double in size, showing all that yeast work in action.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
After your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Shape it into a loaf by folding it tightly, then place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, until it’s puffy and just peeking above the pan’s edge.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. Let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this bread is delicious on its own, brushing the top with melted butter immediately after baking gives it a soft, glossy crust that feels indulgent. Sprinkle with a touch of garlic powder or seeds like sesame or poppy for added visual appeal and flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with almost anything—think creamy soups, hearty stews, or fresh salads. Warm slices alongside a rustic tomato soup or dip into your favorite olive oil and balsamic mix for an easy appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
Use this homemade bread as the base for a gourmet toast bar with toppings ranging from smashed avocado and radishes to smoked salmon and cream cheese. For a fun twist, turn thick slices into French toast or grilled sandwiches that will wow every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it soft and fresh for up to two days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry the bread out faster.
Freezing
If you want to make your Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe last longer, slice it and freeze the slices in a resealable freezer bag. This way, you can toast or thaw exactly what you need without wasting any.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or day-old bread, toast or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and flavor that’s so hard to resist.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just increase the water slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast or water that’s too hot or too cold. Always check your yeast’s expiration date and make sure the water is around 110°F to activate the yeast properly.
How do I get a softer crust?
Brushing the crust with melted butter right after baking will soften the exterior beautifully. Alternatively, baking the bread covered with foil for the first half of baking time helps create a tender crust too.
Can I make this bread using a bread machine?
Yes! Simply add your ingredients to the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer, and select the basic bread setting. It’s a convenient way to enjoy this Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe with less hands-on time.
How long does homemade bread stay fresh?
Freshly baked bread is best enjoyed within two days at room temperature for optimal softness and flavor. After that, freezing is your best option to maintain quality.
Final Thoughts
Baking bread at home is such a joyful experience, and this Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe delivers that perfect balance of soft texture and rich flavor with every slice. It’s a recipe to keep coming back to, whether you’re new to baking or simply craving a comforting, homemade loaf. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just discover your new kitchen favorite!
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Homemade Classic White Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1.5–2 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade bread recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf perfect for sandwiches and toast. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and butter, this beginner-friendly bread has a golden crust and tender crumb, ideal for all skill levels seeking fresh, warm bread from scratch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Form the dough: Add the softened butter, salt, and 2 1/2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, kneading either by hand for 8 to 10 minutes or with a stand mixer for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough inside, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover loosely and allow it to rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, until the dough is puffy and just over the edge of the pan.
- Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- Brush the top with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
- For whole wheat bread, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and increase the water slightly to maintain dough consistency.
