Homemade bread? Oh yes—nothing beats that smell coming out of the oven. Here’s a simple, no-fuss recipe for classic soft, crusty white bread—great for sandwiches or just slathering in butter while it’s still warm.
Easy Homemade White Bread (1 Loaf)
Ingredients:
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3 ¼ cups all-purpose or bread flour
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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1 ¼ tsp salt
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 tbsp butter, softened
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1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
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¼ cup milk (warm)
Instructions:
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Activate the yeast:
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In a bowl, mix warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Mix the dough:
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In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
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Add in the yeast mixture and butter.
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Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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First rise:
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Shape the loaf:
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Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Second rise:
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Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes, until it’s about 1 inch above the pan.
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Bake:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
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Cool:
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Let cool on a wire rack at least 15 minutes before slicing.
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Want a version with whole wheat, herbs, or a chewy crust like bakery-style bread?