Name: Homemade White Bread Recipe: Soft, Fluffy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 175 min
Ingredients: 2 cups warm water (105–110°F); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 1½ tbsp active dry yeast; 1½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ cup oil or melted butter; 6 –6½ cups bread flour

Introduction

Table of Contents

This is the classic homemade white bread that ruins store-bought forever—tall, golden, with a tender crumb and that irresistible buttery aroma that fills the whole house. One bowl, no fancy equipment, and you get two perfect sandwich loaves that stay soft for days. Presented sliced on a white ceramic board with a pat of melting butter, this Homemade White Bread offers pure comfort and the ultimate “I baked this” pride.

Ingredients

For the Dough (makes 2 standard 9×5 loaves): • 2 cups warm water (105–110°F)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ tbsp active dry yeast (2 packets)
• 1½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 6–6½ cups bread flour (or all-purpose)
• Optional: 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing after baking

For Serving: • Butter, jam, or honey

Step-by-Step Process

Activate yeast
In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over top. Let it stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix dough
Add salt and oil. Stir in 3 cups of flour until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour ½ cup at a time until dough pulls away from bowl (you may not need all).
Knead
Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or 5 minutes on medium-low with dough hook).
First rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place 45–60 minutes until doubled.
Shape
Punch down the dough. Divide in half. Roll each half into a 9×12 rectangle. Roll up tightly from the short end, pinch seam, tuck ends under. Place seam-side down in greased 9×5 loaf pans.
Second rise
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until dough crowns 1 inch above pan rim.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 30–35 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped. Brush hot loaves with melted butter. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then remove to a rack.

Tips for Perfect Homemade White Bread

• Use bread flour—higher protein = taller, chewier loaf
• Warm water 105–110°F—too hot kills yeast, too cold slows it
• Don’t add all flour at once—better a sticky dough than tough bread
• Test doneness by thump—hollow sound = fully baked
• Brush with butter right out of the oven—soft crust and amazing flavor
• Cool completely before slicing—prevents gummy texture

Variations and Customization

• Honey Wheat: replace 1 cup white flour with whole wheat + ¼ cup honey
• Garlic Herb: add 2 tbsp minced garlic + 1 tbsp Italian herbs
• Cinnamon Swirl: roll out, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar, roll up
• Sandwich Rolls: divide into 12 balls, bake 20–25 min
• Milk Bread: replace water with milk + add 1 egg for richer loaf
• Cheesy: fold 1 cup shredded cheddar into the dough

Storage and Serving Tips

• Stays soft 4–5 days at room temp in bread bag
• Fridge up to 10 days (warm slices to revive)
• Freezes beautifully up to 3 months—slice first for easy toast
• Reheat whole loaf wrapped in foil 15 min at 325°F
• Quick refresh: toast slices or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes
• Perfect for sandwiches, French toast, or just buttered

Nutritional Information

Based on 24 slices (12 per loaf):
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Total Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugars 5g)

FAQ

1. My dough didn’t rise—what happened?
Water too hot/cold or old yeast. Test yeast in warm water + pinch sugar first.

2. Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes—just expect slightly less height and chew.

3. Why two rises?
First develops flavor, second gives perfect oven spring.

4. Can I make one big loaf?
Yes—use a 10×5 pan and bake 40–45 minutes.

5. How do I know it’s kneaded enough?
Windowpane test: stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through without tearing.

Conclusion

This homemade white bread is pure kitchen magic—simple ingredients that transform into tall, golden loaves with the softest crumb and buttery crust you’ll ever taste. One slice warm from the oven with melting butter, and suddenly life is perfect. Make it once, and you’ll never buy grocery store bread again—your house will smell like a bakery and your family will crown you the official bread hero forever.