Easy Recipe White Bread
A simple, fluffy white bread with a tender crumb and golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast, suitable for bakers of all levels seeking homemade bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix thoroughly 3 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add the softened butter to the mixture.
- Gradually add the very warm water while mixing.
- Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of flour and beat on high for 2 minutes.
- Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough.
- Turn onto a floured board and knead 10 to 12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with plastic wrap and a towel and let set for 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half and shape into loaves.
- Put the loaves into buttered loaf pans.
- Brush the tops of the loaves with vegetable oil.
- Cover with plastic wrap and a towel and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours.
- Remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer crust, you can cover the loaves with a damp towel while they rise. If you don't have active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast; just skip the proofing step. Adjust the flour depending on humidity; start with 7 3/8 cups and add more as needed. Using bread flour can enhance the texture and rise of the bread.
Serving Suggestions
This white bread is perfect for sandwiches or toasted with butter and jam for breakfast. Serve it alongside soups or salads, or use it to make delicious garlic bread. It pairs beautifully with Ann'S Easy Cobbler for a delightful dessert after a meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Recipe White Bread contains roughly 3461 calories, with 24g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 327g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (149% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser bread. Start by replacing half of the white flour with whole wheat and adjust based on your preference. You may need to add a little more water to achieve the right dough consistency.
Why is my bread not rising properly?
If your bread isn't rising, it may be due to expired yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Make sure your water is between 100°F and 110°F (37°C to 43°C) for optimal yeast activation. Additionally, ensure your dough is in a warm, draft-free place while it rises.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer; it should read about 190°F (88°C) when fully baked. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).