10 Easy White Bread Dough Recipe: How to Make Fresh Homemade Bread Recipe

Introduction

This easy white bread dough recipe lets you create fresh, homemade bread with just a few simple ingredients. The dough is soft and pliable, perfect for baking into a classic loaf that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Step 3: Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape into a loaf.
6. Step 6: Grease a loaf pan and place the shaped dough inside. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes, until slightly above the top of the pan.
7. Step 7: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Step 8: Remove bread from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
• For rolls instead of a loaf, divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into individual rolls before the second rise.
• This dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days after the first rise if you want to prepare ahead.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep longer, freeze slices individually wrapped and thaw as needed. Reheat bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to refresh the crust and softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use slightly less (about 2/3 the amount) and mix it directly with the flour without proofing in water first.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If the dough doesn’t rise, check the yeast’s expiration date and ensure the water used was warm but not too hot. Also, keep the dough in a warm, draft-free area for rising.

10 Easy White Bread Dough Recipe: How to Make Fresh Homemade Bread Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews

This easy white bread dough recipe teaches you how to make fresh, homemade bread with simple ingredients and minimal effort. The dough is soft and pliable, perfect for baking into a classic, fluffy loaf that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until evenly combined. Create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
3. Combine ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. This develops gluten for structure.
5. First rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
6. Punch down and shape: After rising, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
7. Second rise: Grease a loaf pan and place the shaped dough inside. Cover it again and allow it to rise for about 30 minutes, until it slightly surpasses the top of the pan.
8. Bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack completely before slicing to ensure clean slices and the best texture.

Notes

• For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
• If you want to make rolls instead of a loaf, divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into individual rolls before the second rise.
• This dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after the first rise, allowing you to bake fresh bread ahead of time.

Keywords: white bread recipe, homemade bread, easy bread dough, classic bread loaf, baking bread at home