White Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite as soul-soothing as the aroma of freshly baked White Bread filling your kitchen. This classic recipe transforms a handful of pantry staples into loaves with a perfectly golden crust and irresistibly soft interior. Whether you’re craving the ultimate toast, a great sandwich base, or simply want to enjoy a warm slice with butter, this White Bread will win over every bread lover at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s truly amazing how such simple ingredients can create a loaf so fluffy, tender, and inviting. Each element here has a vital job to play in shaping the flavor, texture, and tempting color of your finished White Bread.

• Lukewarm Water: The temperature gently wakes up your yeast, encouraging it to get bubbly and active.
• Instant Yeast (or Active Dry Yeast): The secret to airy, well-risen White Bread, this ensures a beautiful crumb and helps your dough double in size.
• Sugar: Gives the yeast a quick snack to nibble on, jump-starting the rise and adding subtle sweetness.
• Honey (or More Sugar): Contributes extra tenderness and a hint of rich flavor; honey adds moisture and just a touch more depth.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness, while lending structure to the dough.
• Unsalted Butter (room temperature): For a wonderfully tender crumb and a touch of richness in every bite.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for your White Bread, delivering a soft but sturdy structure perfect for slicing.
• Melted Butter (for brushing): That finishing swoosh of buttery shine gives your White Bread irresistible flavor and a glossy, bakery-style crust.

How to Make White Bread

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by combining the instant yeast, sugar, and half of the lukewarm water in your stand mixer bowl. This short resting time lets the yeast come alive and foam up, proof that your White Bread is on its way to greatness. If you’re using active dry yeast, give it about 15 minutes for the fullest bloom.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Add the remaining water, honey, salt, cubed butter, and 4 cups of the flour to your bowl. Begin kneading at low speed—you’re looking for the dough to come together and feel soft but not sticky. Add extra flour from the reserved amount as needed until the dough pulls away cleanly from the sides. Continue kneading for 6 to 9 minutes, resulting in a silky, smooth ball that’s elastic to the touch.

Step 3: The First Rise

Transfer your dough into a lightly greased bowl, turning it until all surfaces are coated. Cover snuggly with plastic wrap and let it rest in a cozy, draft-free corner for about 45 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This magical wait is when the yeast works its airy wonders!

Step 4: Shape Your Loaves

Lightly flour a work surface and gently press out your dough. Divide into two equal portions and flatten each piece into an 8×12-inch rectangle. Starting from one short end, roll up the rectangles into tight logs and pinch the seams to seal. Tuck the ends under, nestle each roll into greased 8×4-inch loaf pans seam-side down, then cover with greased plastic wrap. Let your dough enjoy a second cozy rise for another 45 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 390 degrees F, placing the rack into the lower-middle position. This hot, even heat is key to the signature rise and golden crust that makes homemade White Bread so special.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pans into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Your White Bread is ready when the tops turn golden brown and the interior temperature registers between 208 to 210 degrees. The sweet scent and color will let you know just how close you are to bread heaven.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Once out of the oven, invert the bread onto a cooling rack. Flip the loaves right side up and lavish them with melted butter for a glossy, flavor-packed finish. Let the bread cool completely (if you can wait!) before slicing to preserve that perfect, fluffy crumb.

How to Serve White Bread

Garnishes

A simple brush of melted butter is classic, but feel free to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt, a dash of cinnamon-sugar, or even a scattering of fresh herbs across the warm loaves to switch things up. The glossy golden crust of White Bread is like a blank canvas for your favorite finishing touches.

Side Dishes

White Bread pairs beautifully with everything from a hearty bowl of soup to a zesty salad or a comfort-food stew. Use thick slices alongside roasted veggies, scrambled eggs, or your favorite cheese platter; it’s the sort of bread that elevates every meal it touches.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to cut thick slabs for French toast or turn slices into deluxe grilled cheese. Tear off rustic chunks for dipping into olive oil and balsamic, or cube the White Bread for homemade croutons. Dress it up or down—this versatile loaf loves the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover White Bread soft and fresh by storing it in an airtight container or lightly sealed bread bag at room temperature. Try to enjoy within three days for the best texture and taste, as homemade bread doesn’t have preservatives and dries out faster than store-bought versions.

Freezing

White Bread loves your freezer! Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into a zip-top bag. Sliced bread can be frozen for up to three months—just pull out a piece or two whenever you need.

Reheating

To bring your White Bread back to tasting bakery-fresh, simply wrap a slice in foil and warm in a low oven (about 300 degrees F) for a few minutes. For toasted perfection, just pop slices straight into your toaster right from the freezer and enjoy.

FAQs

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! Swapping in up to half whole wheat flour gives your White Bread a nuttier flavor and extra nutrients, though it will make the loaf a touch denser. You may need a bit more water since whole wheat soaks up more moisture.

Do I need a stand mixer to make this bread?

Not at all. While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can absolutely mix and knead the dough by hand. Just expect to use a little more elbow grease and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is soft and smooth.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Dense bread usually comes from not enough kneading or under-proofing. Make sure your dough gets super smooth and springy, and don’t rush those rising times. Fresh yeast and the right water temperature also make all the difference.

Can I make White Bread without honey?

Of course! Simply replace the honey with an equal amount of sugar. The result will still be deliciously tender and flavorful, with just a slightly different (but equally wonderful) sweetness.

How do I know when my White Bread is fully baked?

A golden brown top is a good sign, but the best test is temperature—your loaves should hit 208 to 210 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. If you don’t have one, tap the bottom; it should sound hollow and feel firm.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like sharing a loaf of homemade White Bread—you’ll see smiles with every slice. Whether you’re a new baker or bread-making pro, this recipe is a true staple that begs to be made again and again. Give it a try and let this golden, fragrant bread become a beloved part of your kitchen, too!

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