The Best White Bread from Scratch
Soft, fluffy, golden, and perfect for sandwiches or toast!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh homemade bread filling your kitchen. This easy white bread recipe is perfect for beginners and delivers two loaves of soft, tender bread that slices beautifully and tastes even better. Whether you’re baking for your family, meal prep, or simply for the joy of it, this bread never fails.
🕒 Time Required
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yields: 2 loaves
- Course: Baked Goods
- Cuisine: American
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons yeast (active dry or instant)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
👩🍳 Method
1. Activate the Yeast
In a liquid measuring cup, combine 2 cups of warm water with ¼ cup sugar. Stir until dissolved.
Sprinkle 2 tsp of yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and activated.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together:
- 5 cups flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp softened butter
Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture becomes soft and crumbly.
3. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough
- If kneading by hand: Knead in the bowl for 8–10 minutes. The dough will be sticky — avoid adding extra flour.
- If using a stand mixer: Use the dough hook on medium speed for 5–7 minutes.
5. First Rise
Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap. Place in a warm, draft-free spot and let it rise until doubled in size — this usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
⏱️ Using rapid-rise yeast? The rise may only take 35 minutes!
6. Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough to release air. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 2 equal parts and shape into loaves.
7. Second Rise
Grease two loaf pans with butter. Place each loaf into a pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until the dough rises about 1 inch above the pan’s edge.
8. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the loaves for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
9. Cool & Serve
Remove the bread from the pans and place on a wire rack. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing — this helps the texture set properly. Then slice, butter, and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips
- Avoid adding flour during kneading — a sticky dough gives you a fluffier loaf!
- Brush the tops with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
- Store cooled bread in an airtight container or bread box for 2–3 days, or freeze slices for later.
Once you make this soft white bread from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought. It’s incredibly versatile, satisfying, and simply delicious. Whether you’re spreading jam, layering sandwiches, or enjoying it warm with butter — this is the kind of bread that makes home feel extra cozy.