introduction
This recipe makes two soft, classic white loaves from simple ingredients. It is easy to follow and gives a good crumb and golden crust. If you like simple family recipes, try this and also see an authentic Italian grandmother’s cake recipe for a sweet treat to serve with your loaf.
why make this recipe
Make this bread because it uses few ingredients, it costs less than store bread, and it tastes fresh. The loaves freeze well and work for sandwiches, toast, and soups.
how to make The Best White Bread from Scratch
Follow the simple steps below for best results. The dough is slightly sticky—this makes a soft loaf. Be patient with the rises and let the bread cool before slicing.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 5 cups flour
- 2 tsp yeast
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp softened butter
Directions :
- Pour 2 cups warm water into a liquid measuring cup.
- Stir in 1/4 cup sugar until it dissolves.
- Sprinkle 2 teaspoons yeast over the water and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
- Put 5 cups flour, 2 teaspoons salt, and 3 tablespoons softened butter into a separate bowl.
- Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mix is crumbly.
- Add the yeast water to the flour mixture and stir until dough forms.
- Knead the dough in the bowl by hand for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
- If using a stand mixer, knead on medium with a dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm, dark place until doubled, about 1 to 2 hours.
- If using rapid rise yeast, let it rise about 35 minutes.
- Punch down the dough to release air.
- On a floured surface, divide dough into two equal pieces and shape each into a loaf.
- Place each loaf into a well greased loaf pan.
- Let the loaves rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until about 1 inch above the pan edge.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the loaves for 25 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Remove the loaves from the pans and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
how to serve The Best White Bread from Scratch
Slice after cooling and serve with butter, jam, or cheese. Use for sandwiches, toast, or alongside soups and salads.
how to store The Best White Bread from Scratch
Store cooled bread in a bread box or wrapped in plastic at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or toast from frozen.
tips to make The Best White Bread from Scratch
Use warm water (about 100–110°F) to activate the yeast. Do not add too much flour when kneading—the dough should be slightly sticky. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. Wait until the bread cools before cutting.
variation (if any)
You can add 1 cup whole wheat flour for a partly whole wheat loaf, or mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons honey instead of sugar for a slightly sweet bread. Add seeds on top before baking for extra crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast?
A: Yes. If using instant yeast, mix it with dry ingredients and skip proofing in water. The first rise may be faster.
Q: Why is my bread dense?
A: Dense bread often means the dough did not rise enough or was over-kneaded. Make sure the dough doubles in size before shaping.
Q: Can I make one large loaf instead of two?
A: Yes. Use a larger loaf pan and increase bake time by 5 to 10 minutes, watching for a golden top.
Conclusion
This white bread recipe is simple, reliable, and makes soft loaves with a good crust. If you want another clear step-by-step guide, see this homemade bread recipe from Tastes Better from Scratch for more tips and photos.