Favorite White Bread Recipe

White bread is the ultimate comfort food that brings back memories of my childhood kitchen filled with warm, yeasty aromas. There’s something magical about slicing into a freshly baked loaf of homemade white bread that store-bought versions just can’t match. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, and now I’m excited to share my favorite white bread recipe with you! It’s fluffy, has a golden crust, and makes the most amazing sandwiches or toast.

Ingredients Needed

• 4½ teaspoons instant yeast (or two 0.25-ounce packets)
• 3⅓ cups warm water (divided into ¾ cup and 2⅔ cups)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cubed
• 9-10 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Special Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (though you can knead by hand)
• Two 9-inch loaf pans
• Large mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Pastry brush
• Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)

How To Make White Bread Recipe

1. In your mixer bowl, dissolve the yeast in ¾ cup warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets foamy.
2. Add the remaining 2⅔ cups warm water, sugar, salt, room temperature butter, and 5 cups of flour. Stir until combined.
3. Using the dough hook, mix on low speed while gradually adding more flour until the dough becomes soft and tacky but not sticky. You might not need all the flour, so add it gradually!
4. Continue kneading for about 7-10 minutes until the dough forms a soft ball and clears the sides of the bowl.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Once risen, gently press the dough to remove air bubbles and divide it in half.
7. Working with one piece at a time, pat it into a 9×12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
8. Roll the rectangle tightly from the short end to create a cylinder. Pinch the seams and ends to seal, then tuck the ends under.
9. Place each loaf in a greased 9-inch loaf pan. Cover loosely and let rise again until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
10. Preheat your oven to 400°F with a rack in the lowest position.
11. Brush the risen loaves with melted butter and bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 195°F if you’re using a thermometer.
12. As soon as you take the loaves out, brush them with more melted butter.
13. Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Store

I find that this white bread stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight bread bag or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Avoid storing your bread in the refrigerator, as this actually makes it go stale faster!

How to Freeze the Dough

You can freeze this white bread dough after the first rise. Just shape the loaves, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let rise at room temperature until doubled before baking as directed.

Expert Tips

• The water should be warm to the touch but not hot (around 110°F) so you don’t kill the yeast.
• Don’t rush the kneading process – it develops the gluten that gives your white bread structure.
• When the dough clears the sides of the mixer bowl but still sticks slightly to the bottom, you’ve got the perfect consistency.
• A tight roll when shaping creates a better texture in your finished loaf.
• Brushing with butter gives the bread that beautiful golden color and soft crust.

Variations

• Whole Wheat Blend: Replace up to 3 cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Honey White Bread: Substitute honey for the sugar for a subtle sweetness.
• Herb Bread: Add 2 tablespoons of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
• Cinnamon-Sugar: Sprinkle the rolled-out dough with cinnamon and sugar before rolling it up for a breakfast treat.

Recipe FAQs

Why didn’t my bread rise?
Your yeast might be old or the room too cold. Make sure your yeast is fresh and provide a warm environment for rising.

Can I make this recipe by hand without a mixer?
Absolutely! Just knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

How do I know when my white bread is done baking?
The loaves should be golden brown, and when tapped on the bottom, they should sound hollow. An internal temperature of 195°F is ideal.

Can I make this into dinner rolls instead?
Yes! After the first rise, divide the dough into 24 pieces, shape into balls, and place in greased baking dishes. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.

Why do you brush the bread with butter?
The butter adds flavor, creates a softer crust, and gives the bread a beautiful golden color. It’s one of my favorite parts of making white bread!

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