Homemade White Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and delightful treat to fill your home with warmth, this Homemade White Bread Recipe is just what you need. There’s something magical about the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven, isn’t there? This recipe creates soft, fluffy loaves that are perfect for sandwiches or simply slathered with butter. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights or family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.

The beauty of this homemade bread lies in its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly special. Whether it’s for a hearty breakfast toast or an afternoon snack with jam, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this recipe without stress.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves fresh bread! It’s perfect for sandwiches and makes lunchtime exciting.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make multiple loaves at once and freeze them for quick meals throughout the week.
• Endless Versatility: You can enjoy it plain or get creative with toppings and spreads that suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Homemade White Bread recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Gather these together and get ready to make some magic!

For the Dough

• 3 cups water (warm (95-110 degrees F))
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1½ tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup avocado oil (or room temperature butter)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 8½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

For Topping

• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your bread:

• Add Herbs: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
• Go Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Sweeten It Up: Add raisins or nuts to the dough for a delicious variation that works great as breakfast bread.
• Make it Savory: Incorporate cheese into the dough for cheesy bread that’s perfect as a side dish.

How to Make Homemade White Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pans

Grease three 8.5 x 4.5 bread pans with butter and set them aside. This step ensures that your beautiful loaves come out easily after baking!

Step 2: Proof the Yeast

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Mix well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This process wakes up the yeast, which is crucial for making your bread rise.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

Once your yeast has proofed, add avocado oil, salt, eggs, and half of the flour into the mixture. Using a dough hook on low speed, mix until everything is combined. This initial mixture is where all those lovely flavors start coming together!

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Continue adding flour one cup at a time while mixing on low speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and looks smooth. You may need an extra 1/2 cup of flour depending on humidity. Knead on medium speed for about 3 minutes until it’s elastic and smooth—this step develops gluten, which gives your bread its structure.

Step 5: First Rise

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 30-45 minutes. This rising time is crucial; it helps develop flavor and texture.

Step 6: Shape Loaves

Once doubled, divide your dough into three even pieces. On a floured surface, gently roll each piece into an approximately 8 x 12 rectangle using a rolling pin. Rolling helps shape each loaf perfectly!

Step 7: Roll and Place in Pans

Starting at one end of each rectangle, roll tightly and pinch to seal seams. Tuck ends under and place seam-side down in greased pans. This shaping technique ensures uniform loaves that rise nicely during baking.

Step 8: Second Rise

Whisk together egg and water; brush over each loaf using a pastry brush. Let them rise again until doubled—about another 30-45 minutes. This step not only enhances color but also adds shine to your crust.

Step 9: Bake Your Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, bake all three loaves together for about 28-30 minutes or until golden brown—the aroma will be irresistible! An instant-read thermometer should read around 195°F when inserted into the center.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy!

When done baking, brush melted butter over each loaf before letting them cool in their pans for about 10-15 minutes. Then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks before slicing. Enjoy every soft bite of your homemade creation!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade White Bread Recipe

Baking bread at home is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can elevate your homemade white bread to perfection!

• Use the right water temperature: Ensuring your water is warm (between 95-110 degrees F) helps activate the yeast properly. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture we all love.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. Accurate measurements lead to consistent results and prevent overly dense bread.
• Don’t skip the first rise: Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size infuses air into the dough, resulting in a lighter loaf. Patience here pays off with a beautifully airy texture.
• Knead thoroughly: Kneading for about 3 minutes on medium speed helps develop gluten, which gives bread its structure. A well-kneaded dough will feel smooth and elastic.
• Cool before slicing: Letting your bread cool completely on a wire rack prevents sogginess and makes slicing easier. Freshly baked bread needs time to set up!

How to Serve Homemade White Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm loaf of homemade white bread fresh from the oven! Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your baking experience even more enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Herbs or spices: Sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or dill on top of your loaves before baking for an aromatic touch.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of olive oil just before serving can enhance flavor and add a beautiful sheen to the crust.

Side Dishes

• Hearty soups: Pair your white bread with a comforting bowl of tomato basil soup or creamy potato leek soup for a classic combo perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Salads: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette complements the softness of the bread while adding freshness.
• Grilled vegetables: Roasted or grilled seasonal vegetables bring vibrant flavors that pair wonderfully with slices of warm white bread.
• Dips: Serve with hummus or spinach-artichoke dip for a fun appetizer that encourages sharing and enjoyment around the table!

Now, get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious homemade white bread recipe. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade White Bread recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch to enjoy throughout the week, whether for sandwiches, toast, or snacks. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious loaves.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the bread cool completely before storing.
• Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing for easier access later.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• For individual slices, toast them directly from frozen until golden brown.
• To reheat an entire loaf, unwrap it and place it in a 350-degree F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

How do I make this Homemade White Bread Recipe gluten-free?

To make this Homemade White Bread recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that xanthan gum is included if your blend doesn’t already have it, as this helps mimic the elasticity of gluten.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in this Homemade White Bread Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, keep in mind that this might change the texture slightly and result in denser bread.

What can I add to my Homemade White Bread Recipe for extra flavor?

You can mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add seeds such as sesame or poppy seeds into the dough. For a sweet touch, consider adding cinnamon or raisins!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Homemade White Bread Recipe! There’s something incredibly special about the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes and the satisfaction of slicing into warm, fluffy loaves. Whether you’re crafting sandwiches for lunch or enjoying a slice with butter, this bread will surely become a staple in your home. Enjoy every moment of baking and eating it—happy baking!