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Easy Homemade White Bread

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Make the perfect homemade white bread with this easy, beginner-friendly recipe! This soft and fluffy loaf has a golden crust and is great for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter. No special equipment is needed—just simple pantry ingredients and a loaf pan.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  • Stir in softened butter and salt.
  • Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well to form a soft dough.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
  • Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  • Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until it reaches the top of the pan.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a softer crust, brush with melted butter after baking.
  • For a whole wheat version, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
  • To freeze, wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.