There’s something unbeatable about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s something you made yourself. This beginner-friendly white bread recipe is the perfect introduction to baking, delivering a soft, fluffy loaf that’s great for toast, sandwiches, or slathered with butter straight out of the oven. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at a simple homemade bread but felt intimidated, this is the easiest bread recipe ever—and it truly lives up to the title.
Easiest Bread Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Rise Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Western
Servings 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Large Mixing Bowl
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Loaf pan 9x5-inch is ideal
Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
Wire cooling rack
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast one standard packet
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water around 110°F
- ¼ cup whole milk room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Extra butter for greasing and brushing the top
Activate the yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to work.
Mix the dough
Add the milk, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir gently. Then gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
Let it rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
Shape the loaf
Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool and enjoy
Brush the top with a bit of melted butter for that glossy finish. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Pairings
This soft white bread recipe pairs beautifully with everything from hearty stews to a classic PB&J. Toast it and top with avocado and poached egg for a savory breakfast, or use it for a gooey grilled cheese. Want a sweet bite? Try it with honey and a sprinkle of sea salt.
FAQs
1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes! Bread flour will give your loaf a slightly chewier texture and better structure, which is great for sandwich slices.
2. What type of yeast works best?
Active dry yeast is perfect for this recipe, but instant yeast can also be used—just skip the activation step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
3. Can I make this in a bread machine?
Absolutely. This is one of the best options if you’re searching for a white bread recipe for bread machine use. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine and select the basic white bread cycle.
4. What if I’m short on time?
For quick easy bread recipes, reduce the second rise to 15 minutes—your loaf may be a bit denser, but still delicious.
5. Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, it’s one of the most easy bread recipes for beginners. It uses pantry staples and doesn't require any fancy techniques, making it a go-to simple homemade bread.
6. What kind of flour should I use for fluffier bread?
All-purpose flour works great, but if you want a super fluffy white bread recipe, you can mix in a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten or use a lighter protein flour.
