How to Make the Best White Bread from Scratch – Santa Rosa Homestead

Making homemade bread from scratch is one of life’s simple pleasures. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the process—from mixing the dough to watching it rise, and finally, pulling a golden loaf of fresh white bread out of the oven. This recipe for the Best White Bread from Scratch is a perfect introduction to bread baking, delivering a soft, fluffy loaf with a slightly sweet flavor and a soft crumb. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, creating a delicious loaf that can be used for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter.

The ingredients are simple, and the process is even simpler. With warm water, a bit of sugar to help activate the yeast, and a combination of flour, salt, and butter, you’ll soon be enjoying the freshest bread you’ve ever tasted. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or baking experience to make it. Just a little time, patience, and the right ingredients, and you’ll have a homemade loaf that will make your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft and Fluffy Texture

This white bread recipe delivers a soft, light, and fluffy loaf every time. The combination of butter and sugar ensures the perfect texture for slicing, making it great for sandwiches or toast.

2. Simple Ingredients

The recipe uses basic pantry staples—flour, water, sugar, yeast, salt, and butter—so you don’t need any special ingredients or tools to make this bread.

3. Easy to Make

With only a few steps and a minimal amount of time, this recipe is perfect for beginners. You don’t need a stand mixer, just your hands and patience for kneading.

4. Perfect for Meal Prepping

Once baked, this white bread stays soft and fresh for several days, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.

5. Versatile

This bread is perfect for everything from sandwiches to serving as a side with soups or stews. You can also use it for making French toast or for dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Warm water
• Sugar
• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Softened butter

Variations

Add Herbs or Garlic

For a savory twist, add some dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.

Make it Whole Wheat

For a healthier alternative, you can replace some of the white flour with whole wheat flour. Just be mindful that the texture might be slightly denser.

Add Seeds or Nuts

If you enjoy a bit of crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or chopped walnuts into the dough before kneading.

Sweeten it Up

For a slightly sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar content or add a teaspoon of honey to the dough for a richer flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water (about 100°F or 38°C) and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is bubbly and foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once the yeast is activated, add the softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring continuously until the dough begins to form.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and allow it to rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. Be sure to place the bowl in a warm place, such as near a heater or in a turned-off oven with the light on, to encourage the rise.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by rolling it tightly and pinching the seams together.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, cover with a towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Warm Water, Not Hot Water: The water should be warm (about 100°F) but not hot, as water that is too hot can kill the yeast. Always test the temperature with your finger to ensure it’s just warm to the touch.
2. Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough helps develop the gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Be patient and knead for at least 8 minutes to achieve the perfect texture.
3. Check for the Hollow Sound: To check if the bread is done, tap it on the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it’s fully baked. If not, pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes.
4. Don’t Rush the Rise: Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise. Rushing this step can result in a dense loaf.
5. Let the Bread Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool before slicing to avoid a gummy texture in the bread.

How to Serve

This white bread is perfect for sandwiches, toasted with butter, or served alongside soups, salads, or pastas. You can even enjoy a slice with jam, honey, or peanut butter for a delicious snack. It also makes fantastic French toast or can be used for making homemade croutons for soups and salads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your bread at room temperature in a bread box or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to keep it soft. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Freezing

To keep your bread fresh longer, slice it and freeze individual slices. When you need a slice, just pop it in the toaster or let it thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also toast slices as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the warm water with sugar, as instructed in the recipe.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture might be denser.

3. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s done. Alternatively, use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 190°F (88°C).

4. Can I add additional flavors to this bread?

Yes! You can add herbs, garlic, or seeds like sesame or sunflower for added flavor.

5. Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine on the dough setting, or if you have a machine that bakes bread, you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before shaping, the second rise, and baking.

7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter, but butter gives a richer flavor and texture.

8. How long should I let the dough rise?

The dough should rise for about 1-1.5 hours during the first rise and 30 minutes during the second rise, or until it doubles in size.

9. Can I make this bread in a round pan?

Yes, you can bake this bread in a round pan, but a traditional loaf pan gives it the classic rectangular shape.

10. How do I store bread for the longest freshness?

Keep the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in a cloth towel to keep it fresh for longer. It can also be stored in a bread box.

Conclusion

Making your own white bread from scratch is a simple yet rewarding process. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with butter or using it to make your favorite sandwiches, this homemade white bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy the delicious satisfaction of homemade bread!

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