The Ultimate Homemade White Bread Recipe: Fluffy, Soft, and Irresistible!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [December 2025]

There’s something profoundly comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. It’s a scent that evokes memories, promises warmth, and signals pure, unadulterated goodness. And when that bread is a perfectly soft, tender, and slightly sweet Homemade White Bread, it’s nothing short of magic. Forget the store-bought versions; this recipe will guide you to create a loaf so pillowy and delicious, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-sliced. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just tearing off a warm piece, this classic Sandwich Loaf is a fundamental skill every home baker should master. Get ready to fall in love with baking all over again!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade White Bread Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor: Far superior to anything you’ll find at the grocery store.
• Incredibly Soft Texture: Achieves that perfect, light, and airy crumb every time.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples you likely already have.
• Therapeutic Process: The act of kneading and watching the dough rise is wonderfully calming.
• Versatile: Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or alongside your favorite meals.

What You’ll Need

This recipe uses everyday ingredients to create extraordinary results. Precision is key, so grab your measuring cups and spoons!

Ingredients List

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil), plus more for greasing
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

How to Make White Bread

Baking bread might seem intimidating, but I promise this Homemade White Bread recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous loaf in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This indicates your yeast is active and ready to work!
2. Add Wet Ingredients & First Flour: Stir in the salt and 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 7-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead for 5-7 minutes on medium-low speed. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. First Rise: Lightly oil a clean large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 9×13 inches). Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed and tuck the ends under to create a smooth loaf shape, perfect for a classic Sandwich Loaf.
6. Second Rise: Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Place the shaped dough into the prepared pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
7. Preheat Oven & Bake: While the dough is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
8. Cool: Immediately remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy and ensures a perfect texture. Enjoy your glorious Homemade White Bread!

Expert Tips for Perfect White Bread

• Yeast Temperature: Ensure your water is between 105-115°F (40-46°C). Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold won’t activate it.
• Don’t Rush the Rise: Patience is key in bread making. Let the dough rise fully for the best texture.
• Kneading is Crucial: Proper kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness. If unsure, err on the side of kneading longer.
• Cool Completely: Slicing warm bread can compact the crumb and make it gummy. Resist the urge and let it cool!
• Storage: Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 3 months.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

This incredible white bread is a blank canvas for culinary creativity!

• Garlic Bread: Slice the loaf, spread with garlic butter, and toast in the oven for an irresistible side.
• Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Before the second rise, spread a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar over the flattened dough before rolling it into a log.
• Cheese Bread: Fold in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of kneading.
• The Ultimate Toast: Simply slice, toast, and slather with butter and your favorite jam, or make a classic avocado toast.
• Gourmet Sandwiches: Elevate your lunch game with this bread as the base for any sandwich, from a simple grilled cheese to a towering club.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sarah M. – “I’ve tried so many white bread recipes, but this one is truly the best! The instructions were clear, and my loaf came out incredibly soft and delicious. My family devoured it in a day!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ David L. – “As a beginner baker, I was nervous, but this recipe made me feel like a pro! The bread had a beautiful crust and a perfect fluffy interior. It’s now a staple in my kitchen.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Emily R. – “My kids are obsessed with this bread! No more store-bought for us. It’s so much healthier and tastes infinitely better. The tips for kneading were particularly helpful.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can! If using instant yeast, you don’t need to proof it in water first; you can just add it directly to the dry ingredients, though mixing it with the water first is still good practice to ensure it’s active.

Q: Why is my bread dense?
A: This usually happens if the yeast wasn’t active, the dough wasn’t kneaded enough, or it didn’t rise properly. Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water temperature is correct.

Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, after the first rise, you can punch down the dough, place it in an oiled bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before shaping and the second rise.

Q: How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
A: The crust should be golden brown, and if you tap the bottom of the loaf, it should sound hollow. For precision, an internal temperature of 200-210°F (93-99°C) is ideal.

Share Your Creations!

There’s nothing I love more than seeing your beautiful bakes! If you make this Homemade White Bread, please snap a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook. Tag @TheNextRecipes and use #HomemadeWhiteBread so I can admire your work! Happy baking, friends!

Recipe Note

This Homemade White Bread recipe is a foundational skill that opens up a world of possibilities. Once you master this simple Sandwich Loaf, you’ll gain confidence for even more adventurous baking projects. Enjoy the process and the incredible results!