🍞 The Best White Bread from Scratch

Fluffy, Buttery, and Absolutely Irresistible

There's something deeply comforting about baking white bread from scratch. The aroma that fills your kitchen. The golden crust. The pillowy-soft crumb. Whether you’re slathering it with butter, building the perfect sandwich, or toasting it for breakfast, nothing beats a homemade loaf.

This is not just any white bread—this is the best white bread recipe. Soft, airy, and buttery, it strikes the perfect balance between chewy and tender, making it a staple you’ll want to bake again and again.

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 1 Large Loaf or 2 Small)

  • 3 ¾ cups (450g) all-purpose or bread flour, plus more for kneading

  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

  • ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (plus more for brushing)

📝 Tip: Use bread flour if you want a slightly chewier texture. All-purpose makes it softer.

⏱ Total Time

  • Prep time: 25 minutes

  • Rising time: 1.5 to 2 hours

  • Bake time: 30–35 minutes

  • Cooling: 20 minutes

🍽️ Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook)

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Loaf pan (9x5-inch or 8x4-inch)

  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap

  • Wire rack

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy on top.

📝 If there's no foam, your yeast might be inactive. Try again with new yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. As the dough begins to come together, switch to using your hands or a dough hook.

Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 6–7 minutes with a stand mixer) until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky—not sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

🧠 Warm tip: If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

Punch down the dough to release air. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten it into a rectangle and roll it tightly into a log (like a jelly roll), pinching the seams closed.

Place the log seam-side down into a greased loaf pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes, until it crowns about 1 inch above the pan.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the loaf in the center of the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until:

  • The top is golden brown

  • The loaf sounds hollow when tapped

  • Internal temp reaches 190–200°F (88–93°C)

📝 If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool & Slice

Remove the bread from the pan and place on a wire rack. Brush the top with butter for a glossy, soft crust.

Let it cool for 20–30 minutes before slicing (yes, we know it’s hard to wait!).

🥖 Why This Bread Works So Well

  • Milk + butter = rich, tender crumb

  • Two rises = perfect air pockets and texture

  • Balanced hydration = soft yet sturdy structure

  • Simple ingredients = clean flavor and nostalgic comfort

🧁 Bonus Tips

  • For extra soft bread, wrap the loaf in a clean towel after cooling.

  • Add 1 egg for a slightly richer dough (great for sandwiches).

  • Want a crisper crust? Skip brushing butter and let it cool uncovered.

  • Freeze extra slices for easy toast in the mornings.

🔄 Variations to Try

  • Honey White Bread: Replace sugar with 2 tbsp honey.

  • Garlic Herb Loaf: Add 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp Italian herbs to the dough.

  • Cheese Swirl: Roll the dough with shredded cheddar before shaping.

💬 Final Thoughts

This white bread is everything you dream of in a homemade loaf—soft, fluffy, golden, and totally delicious. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet satisfying for seasoned bakers. Once you bake it, you’ll never settle for store-bought again.

Whether you eat it fresh out of the oven, toast it with butter, or use it for the ultimate grilled cheese—this is your new go-to recipe.