Homemade White Bread

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked homemade white bread! This classic loaf is soft, fluffy, slightly buttery, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm with a little butter.

🍞 Ingredients

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose or bread flour
• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for greasing

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast.

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.

If the mixture doesn’t become foamy, the yeast may not be active.

2. Make the Dough

Add the warm milk, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture.

Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.

The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.

3. Knead

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Knead for approximately 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead for about 5–7 minutes.

4. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.

Turn it once so the surface is lightly coated with oil.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the Loaf

Punch down the dough gently to release excess air.

Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.

Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

6. Second Rise

Cover loosely and let the dough rise again for 30–45 minutes, until it has risen above the edge of the pan.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final part of baking.

8. Cool

Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack.

Brush the top with a little melted butter for a softer crust.

Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

⭐ Tips for Soft, Fluffy Bread

• Make sure the milk and water are warm, not hot. Very hot liquid can kill the yeast.
• Don’t add too much flour—the dough should remain slightly soft.
• Knead thoroughly to develop gluten.
• Give the dough enough time to rise.
• Let the loaf cool before slicing so the interior can finish setting.
• Store completely cooled bread in an airtight container or bread bag.

🥪 Serving Ideas

Enjoy your homemade white bread with:

• Butter and jam
• Honey
• Peanut butter
• Eggs and cheese
• Sandwich fillings
• Soup or stew
• French toast

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
First Rise: 1–1½ hours
Second Rise: 30–45 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours
Servings: 1 loaf
Method: Oven-baked
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate