Here’s a detailed recipe for The Best White Bread from Scratch—soft, fluffy, and golden-brown, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying warm with butter 🍞✨
🍞 The Best White Bread from Scratch
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Rising Time: 1–1.5 hours
⏱️ Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
🍽️ Yield: 1 loaf
🧾 Ingredients
-
All-purpose flour – 3½ cups (approx. 440 g)
-
Granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons
-
Salt – 1½ teaspoons
-
Active dry yeast – 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
-
Warm water – 1¼ cups (110°F / 45°C)
-
Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons, melted (plus extra for greasing)
-
Optional: 1 tablespoon milk or egg wash for a shiny crust
👩🍳 Directions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
-
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
-
Stir gently and let it sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Tip: If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast may be inactive—start with fresh yeast.
Step 2: Make the Dough
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
-
Add the yeast mixture and melted butter.
-
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
-
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
-
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Tip: You can also knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise
-
Lightly grease a large bowl with butter or oil.
-
Place dough in the bowl, turning to coat with oil.
-
Cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap.
-
Let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
-
Punch down the dough gently to release air.
-
Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
-
Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until doubled again.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
-
Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
-
Optional: Brush the top with milk or an egg wash for a shiny crust.
Step 7: Bake
-
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
-
Tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow.
Step 8: Cool
-
Remove the loaf from the pan and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Slicing too soon can make the bread gummy.
🌟 Tips for Perfect White Bread
-
Use fresh, active yeast for best results.
-
Warm water should be 110°F / 45°C, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
-
Knead well for a soft, airy crumb.
-
Let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm area.
🔁 Variations
-
Whole Wheat White Bread: Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour.
-
Garlic Herb Bread: Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp dried herbs.
-
Soft Dinner Rolls: Divide dough into small balls and bake in a greased pan.
-
Cheesy Bread: Add ½ cup shredded cheese into the dough before the first rise.
❄️ Storage
-
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
-
Freeze slices for up to 1 month.
