Name: Easy White Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 36
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups warm water; 3 tbsp active dry yeast; 2 tsp kosher salt; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; ¼ cup Vegetable Oil; ½ cup sugar; 8 cups bread flour

There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked white bread wafting through your home. This easy-to-follow recipe yields three perfect loaves with a soft, fluffy texture and golden crust, ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathering with butter and enjoying warm from the oven.

Photos of Easy White Bread Recipe

Although most of the ingredients are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up active dry yeast and bread flour if you don't already have them. Active dry yeast is essential for the rise and texture of the bread, while bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, providing better structure and chew.

Ingredients For Easy White Bread Recipe

Water: Used to activate the yeast and form the dough.

Active dry yeast: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.

Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the bread.

Vegetable oil: Helps to keep the bread moist and adds a slight tenderness.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the bread.

Bread flour: Provides the necessary structure and chewiness due to its higher protein content.

One reader, Joyce Binder says:

This easy white bread recipe is fantastic! The bread turned out soft, fluffy, and delicious. The instructions were clear and simple to follow. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Highly recommend!

Joyce Binder

Techniques Required for Making Easy White Bread

Yes.

How to activate yeast: Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active. How to use a stand mixer: Combine ingredients in the mixer bowl and use the appropriate attachments for mixing and kneading. How to knead dough: Use the dough hook attachment on the stand mixer to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. How to proof dough: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which helps develop the dough's texture and flavor. How to punch down dough: Gently deflate the dough by pressing down on it with your fist to release the gases that have built up during the first rise. How to shape dough: Divide the dough into portions and shape them to fit into loaf pans. How to bake bread: Preheat the oven and bake the dough at the specified temperature and time until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

How To Make White Bread

White bread is among the simplest and easiest type of bread. Follow this recipe to make a fluffy bread with slightly crusty margins.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupswarm water,110 degrees
3tbspactive dry yeast
2tspkosher salt
4tbspunsalted butter,melted
¼cupVegetable Oil
½cupsugar
8cupsbread flour

Instructions

In a stand mixer add the water, yeast, salt, butter, oil, sugar and 4 cups of bread flour and whisk well then let it sit until it doubles in size.
Add 2 more cups of flour, then add the dough hook and turn on for five minutes before adding in the remaining flour until the dough is smooth and remove the dough hook and cover with a damp clean cloth.
Let the dough double in size, about 60 minutes, then punch it down and separate into three loaf pans and allow to rise to double its size again.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 to 40 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 148.97kcal
Fat: 3.42g
Saturated Fat: 1.00g
Trans Fat: 0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.54g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.54g
Carbohydrates: 25.27g
Fiber: 1.00g
Sugar: 2.87g
Protein: 4.07g
Cholesterol: 3.39mg
Sodium: 106.63mg
Calcium: 5.93mg
Potassium: 40.45mg
Iron: 1.37mg
Vitamin A: 10.79µg
Vitamin C: 0.00mg

Technique Tip for Achieving Perfect White Bread

When adding yeast to the warm water, ensure the water is between 105°F and 115°F. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it's too cold, the yeast won't activate properly. This step is crucial for achieving a good rise in your bread.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Homemade White Bread

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process.

Use a stand mixer: Let the stand mixer do the heavy lifting for kneading, saving you time and effort.

Warm environment: Place the dough in a warm spot to speed up the rising process.

Batch baking: Make multiple loaves at once and freeze extras for later use.

Quick proofing: Use the oven's proof setting or a warm oven (turned off) to accelerate the proofing time.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy White Bread Recipe

warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk adds richness and a slightly sweeter flavor to the bread.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used in the same quantity and does not need to be dissolved in water first.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a good alternative.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar texture and moisture.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil adds a slightly different flavor but works well in bread recipes.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
bread flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used, but the bread may be slightly less chewy due to the lower protein content.

Best Way to Present This Easy Homemade Bread

Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that the bread flour, unsalted butter, and vegetable oil are of the highest quality to achieve the best flavor and texture.
Proof the dough properly: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area to ensure it doubles in size, which will result in a light and airy bread.
Knead to perfection: Use the stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which will develop the gluten and give the bread its structure.
Shape with precision: Divide the dough evenly and shape it carefully into loaves, ensuring a uniform size and shape for even baking.
Bake to golden perfection: Bake the loaves at 350 degrees F until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating they are fully baked.
Cool before slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the texture is set and the slices are clean.
Serve with elegance: Present the bread on a wooden cutting board with a serrated knife, accompanied by butter and olive oil for dipping, to enhance the dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making White Bread at Home

Stand mixer: Essential for mixing and kneading the dough efficiently, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Whisk: Used initially to combine the water, yeast, salt, butter, oil, sugar, and flour.
Dough hook: An attachment for the stand mixer that kneads the dough, developing gluten for a better bread texture.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the water, flour, and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like yeast, salt, and sugar.
Loaf pans: Used to shape and bake the bread, ensuring it rises properly and bakes evenly.
Damp clean cloth: Covers the dough during rising to keep it moist and prevent a crust from forming.
Oven: Bakes the bread at the required temperature to achieve a golden crust and fully cooked interior.
Cooling rack: Allows the bread to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess.

How To Store and Freeze Homemade White Bread

Allow the bread to cool completely before storing or freezing. This prevents moisture from getting trapped inside the loaf, which can lead to mold growth.
To store the bread at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a resealable plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bread:
- Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe plastic bag.
- Label the package with the date and type of bread.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature, still wrapped, for several hours or overnight.
For a crispy crust, you can unwrap the thawed bread and place it directly on the oven rack at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
If you prefer to freeze smaller portions, slice the bread before freezing and wrap the slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can easily remove and thaw only the amount you need.

How To Reheat Leftover White Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover white bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat the bread in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through and the crust is crispy. This method works well for whole loaves or slices of bread.
For a quicker option, you can use a toaster or toaster oven. Slice the leftover white bread and toast it until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Adjust the toaster settings according to your preference.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can reheat the white bread in the microwave. Wrap the bread in a damp paper towel and microwave it on high for 10-15 seconds per slice. Be careful not to overheat the bread, as it can become tough and rubbery.
For a crispy crust and soft interior, you can use a combination of the oven and microwave methods. Wrap the leftover white bread in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 10-15 seconds per slice. Then, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the crust.
If you have a panini press or sandwich maker, you can use it to reheat and crisp up leftover white bread. Brush the bread with a little butter or olive oil, place it in the press, and cook until it's heated through and crispy on the outside.

Random Fact About White Bread

A random fact about this recipe is that using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour results in a higher protein content, which helps create a chewier texture and better structure in the bread.

Is Making White Bread at Home Economical?

This easy white bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like bread flour, sugar, and yeast are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in bulk, reducing the cost per loaf. The use of unsalted butter and vegetable oil adds a bit to the cost but still keeps it affordable. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $5 to $7, making it a budget-friendly option for fresh, homemade bread.

Is This White Bread Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This white bread recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe uses refined bread flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain flours.
The high amount of sugar (½ cup) contributes to empty calories and may lead to blood sugar spikes.
The use of vegetable oil and butter adds saturated and trans fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.
The recipe lacks any additional nutritious ingredients, such as seeds, nuts, or dried fruits, which could provide extra fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace at least half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour or other whole grain flours like spelt or rye. This will increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
Reduce the sugar content by half or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, which may have some additional health benefits.
Swap the vegetable oil for a healthier option like olive oil or avocado oil, which are rich in monounsaturated fats and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Incorporate nutritious add-ins such as:
- Chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts, chia seeds, or pumpkin seeds) for healthy fats and extra protein
- Dried fruits (e.g., raisins or cranberries) for natural sweetness and antioxidants
- Herbs and spices (e.g., rosemary, thyme, or cinnamon) for flavor and potential health benefits
Consider reducing the overall portion size of the bread and pairing it with nutrient-dense toppings like avocado, hummus, or nut butter to create a more balanced meal.

Editor's Thoughts on This Simple White Bread Recipe

This easy white bread recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it ideal for home bakers. The combination of butter and vegetable oil ensures a tender crumb, while the sugar adds a hint of sweetness. Using a stand mixer simplifies the process, and the two-stage rising method develops a good texture. However, consider reducing the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread. Overall, it's a reliable recipe that yields three loaves of soft, flavorful bread perfect for sandwiches or toast.

Enhance Your Easy White Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine the creamy, buttery goodness of mashed potatoes infused with the rich, aromatic flavor of roasted garlic. This side dish will elevate your white bread to a whole new level of comfort food heaven.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Picture tender, slightly charred asparagus spears kissed by the grill and brightened with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. This vibrant and zesty side dish adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty bread.

Tomato Basil Soup: Tomato Basil Soup: Envision a bowl of velvety tomato soup, bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. This classic pairing is perfect for dipping your freshly baked bread and savoring every spoonful.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Honey Glazed Carrots: Think of tender carrots coated in a luscious honey glaze, caramelized to perfection. The natural sweetness of the carrots combined with the sticky, golden glaze creates a delightful side dish that complements the simplicity of the bread.

Caprese Salad: Caprese Salad: Visualize a vibrant salad featuring juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. This colorful and refreshing side dish brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your table, perfectly balancing the warm, comforting bread.

Other Alternative Bread Recipes to Try

Classic French Baguette: Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This Classic French Baguette recipe will transport you straight to a Parisian bakery. With its crispy crust and soft, airy interior, it's perfect for sandwiches, bruschetta, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.

Honey Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier twist, try this Honey Whole Wheat Bread. The natural sweetness of honey combined with the nutty flavor of whole wheat flour makes this loaf a delightful addition to your breakfast table. It's perfect for toast or sandwiches.

Garlic Herb Focaccia: Elevate your bread game with this Garlic Herb Focaccia. Infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, this Italian flatbread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite soups and salads.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Indulge your sweet tooth with this Cinnamon Raisin Bread. Swirls of cinnamon and plump raisins make each slice a treat. Perfect for breakfast or as a dessert, this bread is delicious toasted with a smear of cream cheese.

Cheddar Jalapeño Bread: Add a spicy kick to your bread repertoire with this Cheddar Jalapeño Bread. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños creates a flavorful loaf that's perfect for sandwiches or as a side to your favorite chili.

Why trust this Easy White Bread Recipe:

This easy white bread recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. With simple ingredients like bread flour, unsalted butter, and active dry yeast, it guarantees a soft, fluffy loaf every time. The step-by-step instructions ensure a foolproof process, and the use of a stand mixer makes it even more convenient. Trust this recipe for its straightforward approach and delicious results.

Want to share your experience with this Easy White Bread Recipe or have any tips to offer? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum and let's talk all things bread baking!

FAQ:

How long should I let the dough rise each time?

You should let the dough rise until it doubles in size. The first rise takes about 60 minutes, and the second rise in the loaf pans also takes until it doubles in size again.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just keep in mind that instant yeast works faster, so the rising times might be shorter.

Do I need a stand mixer to make this bread?

No, you don't need a stand mixer. You can mix the ingredients by hand and knead the dough manually. It might take a bit more effort, but it works just as well.

Can I substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour gives a better texture and rise because it has more protein. If you use all-purpose flour, the bread might be a bit denser.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has a golden-brown crust. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190-200 degrees F.