Discover the joy of baking with this irresistible Homemade White Bread made without a bread machine! Perfectly fluffy and golden with a soft, buttery crust, this classic recipe is crafted from simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a touch of sugar for subtle sweetness. Designed for hands-on bakers, the dough is kneaded by hand for a rewarding tactile experience, then allowed to rise twice for that signature airy texture. Ready in just a few hours, this recipe yields two picture-perfect loaves that are ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh out of the oven with a smear of butter. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to bread-making, this step-by-step guide guarantees bakery-quality results at home. Say goodbye to store-bought and hello to the ultimate homemade comfort!
In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture, and stir to combine.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough becomes too stiff to stir, transfer it to a floured surface.
Knead the dough for approximately 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky.
Grease a large bowl with a small amount of butter or oil. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it to coat it lightly in grease.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions for two loaves.
Shape each portion into a loaf and place them in greased 9x5-inch loaf pans.
Cover the pans with a clean towel and let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until it doubles in size and rises slightly over the edge of the pans.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove the loaves from the pans and brush the tops with additional melted butter for a soft crust.
Allow the bread to cool on wire racks for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Calories |
3041 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.9 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.0 g | 115% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 93 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 4738 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 576.9 g | 210% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.8 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.6 g | ||
| Protein | 77.2 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 109 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 33.7 mg | 187% | |
| Potassium | 908 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.