How to Make the Best White Bread from Scratch

Making homemade bread from scratch is one of the most rewarding experiences in baking. The aroma of fresh bread filling your home is unmatched, and the texture of a warm, soft loaf is simply irresistible. This recipe for the Best White Bread from Scratch – Santa Rosa Homestead style – is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With simple, everyday ingredients, you can create a loaf that is soft, light, and has that classic homemade bread flavor that’s so hard to beat.

This bread is ideal for making sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with a bit of butter. The combination of warm water, sugar, and yeast creates a dough that rises beautifully, while the butter adds a rich, tender texture. Whether you’re baking it for your family or gifting it to friends, this white bread will quickly become a favorite staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Best White Bread from Scratch is soft, fluffy, and flavorful – perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you’ll get a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy interior every time. The dough is simple to handle, and the process of creating the bread is straightforward, even if you’ve never baked bread before. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and richness from the butter creates a well-rounded loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with a warm bowl of soup. Plus, it’s made from scratch with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, making it incredibly accessible and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

• Warm water
• Sugar
• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Softened butter

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this white bread recipe:

• Add Herbs or Garlic: Incorporate a tablespoon of dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) or minced garlic to the dough for a savory twist.
• Make it Whole Wheat: Swap out some or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, healthier bread.
• Add Seeds: Add sunflower, sesame, or poppy seeds to the top of the loaf before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
• Sweeten It: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let the yeast activate for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Add the softened butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring as you go. Continue adding flour until the dough comes together and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the bread dense.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf by rolling it up tightly and pinching the seams. Place the loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has finished its second rise, place the loaf in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Measure Ingredients Properly: To get the right texture, be sure to measure the flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much flour.
• Don’t Rush the Rising Process: Allowing the dough to rise fully will ensure the bread is light and fluffy. Don’t skip or rush this step.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is easier to incorporate into the dough, creating a smoother and more tender loaf.
• Test for Doneness: When tapping the bottom of the loaf, if it sounds hollow, the bread is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
• Avoid Overworking the Dough: Knead the dough just enough to make it smooth and elastic. Overworking it can result in a tough texture.

How to Serve

This homemade white bread is perfect for any meal. Serve it sliced for sandwiches, toast with butter and jam, or alongside a hearty soup. It also makes great French toast or can be enjoyed simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. The light, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness make it a versatile addition to any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the bread, slice it first, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the bread at room temperature or toast it directly from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat leftover bread, place slices in a toaster or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, but bread flour will yield a slightly chewier texture.

2. Can I use instant yeast instead of dry active yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for dry active yeast. Instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated, so you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

3. How can I make the bread fluffier?

To make the bread fluffier, make sure the dough rises fully before baking and avoid adding too much flour during kneading, as this can make the bread dense.

4. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook can be used to knead the dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes on low speed.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves. Just be sure to divide the dough into two loaf pans for even baking.

6. What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, the yeast might be old or the water may have been too hot or too cold. Make sure to use warm water (85-90°F) and fresh yeast.

7. Can I add seeds to the bread?

Yes, you can add seeds like sunflower, sesame, or poppy seeds to the dough before baking for extra texture and flavor.

8. How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature—it should reach about 190°F (88°C).

9. Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute honey for sugar, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the bread.

10. How long can I store this bread?

This bread can be stored for about 3-4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze it.

Conclusion

The Best White Bread from Scratch is a simple yet delicious recipe that will quickly become a household favorite. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to bake a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe will give you a bread that’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread with this easy-to-make recipe!

Print