Description
This homemade white bread recipe yields a soft, tender loaf with a golden crust and a fluffy interior. Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, and milk, this classic bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup warm milk
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Others
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is properly proofed and active.
- Mix the Dough: Add the flour, salt, softened butter, and warm milk to the activated yeast mixture. Stir the ingredients together until they form a rough dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough either by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape & Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and allow it to rise again for 30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the bread from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture and crumb.
Notes
- Make sure the water and milk are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a softer, more tender loaf.
- The dough can be kneaded by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- For an extra shiny crust, brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
