How to Make The Best White Bread from Scratch

There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from your oven. Today, I’m excited to share with you my secrets for making the best white bread from scratch. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, and it’s a great addition to your collection of quick family dinners and easy pasta recipes. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty soup or as a base for sandwiches, this homemade bread is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, classic recipe that’s perfect for beginners
• Soft, fluffy texture with a golden-brown crust
• Can be made into two loaves for sharing or freezing
• Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or serving with your favorite soups
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins (herbs, cheese, etc.)
• Quick homemade bread recipes like this are great for weeknight dinner ideas

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy loaf of bread recipe:

• 2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 5 cups flour
• 2 tsp yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp softened butter

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make this simple yeast bread recipe:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a liquid measuring cup, 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. This step is crucial for activating the yeast and ensuring your bread rises properly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast is activated, prepare a separate bowl and combine 5 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 3 tablespoons of softened butter. Use your hands to mix everything together, gently rubbing the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it’s evenly distributed and forms a crumbly texture. Once you reach a crumbly texture, add the yeast water and stir until a dough begins to form.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

While still in the bowl, begin to knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. The dough will be sticky, but this is normal for this recipe. Do your best not to add flour to the recipe. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: First Rise

Once you are finished kneading, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, dark place. This step takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen and the yeast you are using. The dough should double in size. If you are using rapid rise yeast, it should only take 35 minutes to rise.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. On a floured surface, divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place each loaf in a well-greased loaf pan. I like to grease mine with butter.

Step 6: Second Rise

Let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes. The dough should rise until it’s about 1 inch above the edge of the pans.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has completed its second rise, bake the loaves for 25 minutes. They should be golden brown on top.

Step 8: Cool

Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Cutting into the bread too soon can affect the texture, so be patient! Once cooled, slice and enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Use warm water (not hot or cold) to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t overmix the dough—it should still be slightly sticky when you’re done kneading.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place, like your oven with the light on.
• For an extra golden crust, brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking.

How to Serve

This homemade white bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Toast it and spread with butter or jam for a simple breakfast.
• Use it to make sandwiches, from classic deli-style to gourmet creations.
• Serve alongside your favorite soups or stews for dipping.
• Pair it with a hearty salad or a bowl of creamy garlic pasta (like my How to Make The Best Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta recipe).
• Try it with a comforting casserole or as the base for homemade croutons.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this white bread dough recipe is that it’s easy to make ahead and store:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
• Storage: Store cooled bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

And there you have it—your very own homemade white bread recipe! Whether you’re a bread-making newbie or just looking for a reliable DIY loaf bread recipe, this one is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Pair it with a quick 30-minute meal like my How to Make Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo in One Pan or a comforting Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake for a complete weeknight dinner idea. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!