Easy White Bread Recipe – Soft, Fluffy & Bakery Style

A Foolproof Homemade Loaf That Rises High, Bakes Golden, and Tastes Just Like the Bakery

🎉 Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked white bread wafting through your kitchen. If you’ve ever longed to recreate that pillowy-soft, perfectly golden, bakery-style loaf at home, you’re in for a treat. This Easy White Bread Recipe is made with simple ingredients, easy steps, and no special skills required — ideal for both beginners and seasoned home bakers.

This recipe yields a soft, fluffy crumb, a delicate chew, and that ideal crust that’s golden yet tender. It’s perfect for everyday sandwiches, toast, French toast, or just warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s bake a loaf that tastes as good as it smells.

🧰 Equipment Needed

Here’s all you need to make this bakery-style bread from scratch:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5″ or 9 x 5″)
• Clean towel or plastic wrap
• Oven
• Instant-read thermometer (optional, for precision)
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional for easy kneading)

🛒 Ingredients

🧂 Aides culinaires et épices

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar

🧈 Produits laitiers

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (plus more for brushing)

💧 Liquides

• 1½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
2. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy and bubbly.

Foaming means the yeast is active — a critical first step to great rise and texture!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. Add softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
2. Begin adding flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5–6 minutes.

The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky — not sticky or too dry.

Step 3: First Rise (Proofing)

1. Place the dough into a greased bowl.
2. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
3. Let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.

Oven off with the light on is the perfect makeshift proofing box.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

1. Punch down the dough to release air.
2. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape into a rectangle.
3. Roll it up tightly from the short side into a loaf shape.
4. Pinch the seam and place seam-side down into a greased loaf pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Cover the pan and let dough rise again for 30–45 minutes, until it rises 1 inch above the pan.

This step ensures the loaf is tall, airy, and light.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown.
3. Tap the top — it should sound hollow. Internal temperature should be 190–200°F.
4. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
5. Optional: Brush the top with melted butter for a softer crust and glossy finish.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 12 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• First Rise: 1–1.5 hours
• Second Rise: 30–45 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: ~2.5–3 hours (mostly inactive)

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 4 days.
• Wrap in foil or a towel to preserve softness.

Freezer:

• Freeze sliced or whole for up to 3 months.
• To use, thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from the freezer.

Reheating:

• Warm slices in toaster or oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.

🥄 Variations

• Honey White Bread: Replace sugar with 2 tbsp honey for natural sweetness.
• Garlic Herb Loaf: Mix in 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp dried herbs before kneading.
• Cheese Bread: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan after the first rise.
• Whole Wheat: Substitute up to 1½ cups of flour with whole wheat flour.
• Milk Bread Variation: Replace ½ cup water with warm whole milk for extra richness.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead?
   Yes! Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with dry ingredients. Adjust rise time slightly.
2. Can I use bread flour?
   Absolutely. Bread flour gives more chew and structure, but all-purpose works beautifully.
3. What’s the best way to get a soft crust?
   Brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking. Store in a cloth wrap to keep it soft.
4. Why didn’t my dough rise?
   Check the yeast freshness and water temperature. Cold kitchens can slow the rise — give it more time.
5. Can I make this loaf vegan?
   Yes. Use plant-based butter and replace sugar with maple syrup or cane sugar.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes. Make two loaves or one large loaf in a bigger pan. Baking time may increase by 5–10 minutes.
7. Do I need to use a stand mixer?
   Nope! You can knead by hand — it just takes a little longer.
8. What if my crust is too hard?
   Try reducing bake time slightly or covering the loaf with foil halfway through baking.
9. Can I add seeds or oats on top?
   Yes! Brush the dough with water or egg wash and sprinkle with sesame, flax, or oats before baking.
10. Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
    Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate the shaped dough in the pan. Let it come to room temp and rise before baking.

🏁 Conclusion

This Easy White Bread Recipe is a go-to for anyone who wants a reliable, bakery-style loaf without any fancy tricks. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance — soft enough for kids’ sandwiches, rich enough for Sunday brunch toast, and hearty enough to turn into croutons or French toast the next day.

Once you bake this bread, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought loaves. It’s a homemade classic that delivers every time — fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, and totally customizable.

So grab your bowl and flour — it’s time to let your kitchen smell like freshly baked magic.

Adam

Easy White Bread Recipe – Soft, Fluffy & Bakery Style

There’s nothing quite like the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked white bread wafting through your kitchen. If you’ve ever longed to recreate that pillowy-soft, perfectly golden, bakery-style loaf at home, you’re in for a treat. This Easy White Bread Recipe is made with simple ingredients, easy steps, and no special skills required — ideal for both beginners and seasoned home bakers. This recipe yields a soft, fluffy crumb, a delicate chew, and that ideal crust that’s golden yet tender. It’s perfect for everyday sandwiches, toast, French toast, or just warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s bake a loaf that tastes as good as it smells.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Bake & Second rise & First rise time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🧂 Aides culinaires et épices

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 standard packet
• 4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
• 1½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar

🧈 Produits laitiers

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened (plus more for brushing)

💧 Liquides

• 1½ cups warm water 110°F / 43°C

Equipment

• Here’s all you need to make this bakery-style bread from scratch:
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5″ or 9 x 5″)
• Clean towel or plastic wrap
• Oven
• Instant-read thermometer (optional, for precision)
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional for easy kneading)

Method

 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
2. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy and bubbly.
3. Foaming means the yeast is active — a critical first step to great rise and texture!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. Add softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture.
2. Begin adding flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
4. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky — not sticky or too dry.

Step 3: First Rise (Proofing)

1. Place the dough into a greased bowl.
2. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
3. Let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
4. Oven off with the light on is the perfect makeshift proofing box.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

1. Punch down the dough to release air.
2. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape into a rectangle.
3. Roll it up tightly from the short side into a loaf shape.
4. Pinch the seam and place seam-side down into a greased loaf pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Cover the pan and let dough rise again for 30–45 minutes, until it rises 1 inch above the pan.
2. This step ensures the loaf is tall, airy, and light.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown.
3. Tap the top — it should sound hollow. Internal temperature should be 190–200°F.
4. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
5. Optional: Brush the top with melted butter for a softer crust and glossy finish.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature:

Store in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 4 days.

Wrap in foil or a towel to preserve softness.

Freezer:

Freeze sliced or whole for up to 3 months.

To use, thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from the freezer.

Reheating:

Warm slices in toaster or oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.

🥄 Variations

Honey White Bread: Replace sugar with 2 tbsp honey for natural sweetness.

Garlic Herb Loaf: Mix in 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp dried herbs before kneading.

Cheese Bread: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan after the first rise.

Whole Wheat: Substitute up to 1½ cups of flour with whole wheat flour.

Milk Bread Variation: Replace ½ cup water with warm whole milk for extra richness.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead?
Yes! Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with dry ingredients. Adjust rise time slightly.

Can I use bread flour?
Absolutely. Bread flour gives more chew and structure, but all-purpose works beautifully.

What’s the best way to get a soft crust?
Brush the loaf with melted butter right after baking. Store in a cloth wrap to keep it soft.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check the yeast freshness and water temperature. Cold kitchens can slow the rise — give it more time.

Can I make this loaf vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and replace sugar with maple syrup or cane sugar.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Make two loaves or one large loaf in a bigger pan. Baking time may increase by 5–10 minutes.

Do I need to use a stand mixer?
Nope! You can knead by hand — it just takes a little longer.

What if my crust is too hard?
Try reducing bake time slightly or covering the loaf with foil halfway through baking.

Can I add seeds or oats on top?
Yes! Brush the dough with water or egg wash and sprinkle with sesame, flax, or oats before baking.

Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate the shaped dough in the pan. Let it come to room temp and rise before baking.

🏁 Conclusion

This Easy White Bread Recipe is a go-to for anyone who wants a reliable, bakery-style loaf without any fancy tricks. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance — soft enough for kids’ sandwiches, rich enough for Sunday brunch toast, and hearty enough to turn into croutons or French toast the next day.

Once you bake this bread, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought loaves. It’s a homemade classic that delivers every time — fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, and totally customizable.

So grab your bowl and flour — it’s time to let your kitchen smell like freshly baked magic.