Another great reason to make this bread? It’s budget-friendly! Store-bought artisan bread can be expensive, but this homemade version costs just a fraction of the price while delivering the same (if not better) taste and texture.
Whether you’re baking for your family, meal prepping, or simply treating yourself, this Easy Homemade White Bread is a must-try recipe. Once you experience the unbeatable taste of fresh, homemade bread, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients:
• 5 ½ to 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 ½ teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
• In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Stir until dissolved.
• Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
• Add salt and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Gradually add 3 cups of flour, stirring until combined.
• Slowly add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough forms a soft, slightly sticky ball.
3. Knead the Dough
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape and Second Rise
• Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape into loaves and place into greased loaf pans.
• Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
6. Cool and Serve
• Brush with melted butter and let cool before slicing. Enjoy!