Homemade White Bread for Beginners
This Homemade White Bread for Beginners recipe is soft, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make even if it’s your very first loaf. With just a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll bake golden, bakery-quality bread right in your kitchen. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter, this beginner bread recipe is foolproof, comforting, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 cup warm water about 110°F / 43°C
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter or oil plus extra for brushing
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir until the dough comes together.
- Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape: Punch down the dough, roll into a loaf shape, and place in a greased bread pan.
- Second Rise: Cover and let it rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Brush with melted butter, then cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure your yeast foams if not, the yeast may be expired or water too hot.
- Add a pan of water to the oven for a softer crust.
- Brush the top with melted butter right after baking for extra flavor and shine.
- For softer bread, substitute milk for water.