There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. Homemade Simple White Bread is the classic, comforting loaf that’s easy to make, and it comes out soft, fluffy, and golden every time. Whether you’re enjoying it with butter, turning it into a sandwich, or just nibbling on a warm slice, this bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
💬 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread recipe is a true winner for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It requires minimal ingredients, and the process is straightforward, making it perfect for first-time bakers. You’ll end up with a loaf that’s soft on the inside, with a light, fluffy crumb and a perfect golden crust. You can even make it ahead and store it, and it tastes just as fresh as the day it was baked.
✅ Easy-to-follow recipe
✅ Requires just a few basic ingredients
✅ Perfectly soft and fluffy texture
✅ Homemade with love and care
✅ Great for sandwiches, toasts, and more!
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 1 loaf)
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 7g active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 10g salt
- 30g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (12g)
- 300ml warm water (around 40°C or 104°F)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml) (for greasing)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, then stir until a dough begins to form.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes on a floured surface until it is soft, smooth, and no longer sticky.
Step 2: First Rise
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside. Turn the dough to coat it with oil.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove the air bubbles.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by rolling it into a tight cylinder. Pinch the edges together to seal the loaf.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the bread has cooled, slice it and enjoy the soft, fluffy texture with your favorite toppings or use it for sandwiches.
- Store the leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
📊 Nutrition Info (Per Slice – Based on 12 slices)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
👨🍳 Tips & Tricks
- Kneading the dough: The more you knead, the fluffier your bread will be. Make sure you knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for a soft and fluffy texture. Be patient and let the dough double in size.
- Warm water is key: Make sure your water is warm (around 40°C or 104°F) but not hot, as it activates the yeast without killing it.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add herbs, seeds, or dried fruits to customize your bread. A little rosemary or sunflower seeds can be a great twist!
- Test doneness: If you’re unsure if your bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready. You can also use a thermometer to check; it should read around 90°C (200°F) in the center of the loaf.
❤️ A Note From Me
Making homemade bread from scratch is incredibly rewarding. There’s something so satisfying about kneading the dough, waiting for it to rise, and then enjoying a warm slice of freshly baked bread. This Simple White Bread recipe is one I always come back to when I want something reliable, soft, and comforting. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, this recipe is sure to give you perfect results every time.
