Easy White Bread
Enjoy warm, fluffy white bread with a soft crumb and light crust—perfect for sandwiches, breakfast, or as a comforting homemade staple suitable for all bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine warm water with yeast until dissolved.
- Add melted shortening to the yeast mixture.
- Mix flour, powdered milk, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Gradually add the water and shortening mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring to combine.
- Knead the dough in the mixing bowl for 5 minutes.
- Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, then punch down.
- Divide the dough into three portions and place in bread pans.
- Let the dough rise in the pans until doubled in size.
- Bake at 425°F for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure the water is warm but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. If you don’t have powdered milk, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular milk, just adjust the water accordingly. Kneading well is crucial for gluten development, which will give your bread structure and chew.
Serving Suggestions
This easy white bread is perfect for sandwiches or toasted with butter and jam. Pair it with hearty soups like Home Canned Tomato Soup or serve alongside a classic meal like Lois Lablancs' Macaroni And Cheese. It also makes delightful garlic bread when sliced and topped with garlic butter before toasting.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in a plastic bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy White Bread contains roughly 1488 calories, with 13g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2560mg per serving (111% 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 you may need to adjust the liquid amount. Whole wheat absorbs more moisture, so start with slightly less flour and add more as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is appropriate (between 100°F and 110°F). If the dough remains flat, it might also need more time in a warm environment to activate properly.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it's golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check its internal temperature with a thermometer; it should reach around 190°F for fully baked bread.
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).