Description
This homemade White Bread has a soft, tender crumb, a lightly golden crust, and a subtle buttery sweetness from honey and butter. It is a versatile everyday loaf for sandwiches, toast, and simple meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ⅔ cups lukewarm water, divided
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, or active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey, or more sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed at room temperature
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter, melted for brushing
Instructions
- Add the lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to combine. If using active dry yeast, allow the mixture to stand briefly so the yeast can activate.
- Add the honey and salt and stir until combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing between additions until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface when it becomes too thick to mix comfortably.
- Add the room-temperature cubed butter and knead it into the dough until fully incorporated.
- Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. Avoid adding excessive flour.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until noticeably larger and airy.
- Gently remove the risen dough and shape it into a loaf that fits comfortably in a prepared loaf pan. Place it in the pan with the seam underneath.
- Cover the shaped dough and allow it to rise again until visibly puffy and expanded toward the top of the pan.
- Gently brush the risen dough with the melted butter, taking care not to deflate it.
- Bake the loaf until fully cooked and lightly golden on the surface.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool before slicing.
Notes
- Lukewarm water should be warm but not hot to protect the yeast.
- Honey can be replaced with additional sugar.
- Avoid adding excessive flour while kneading, as this can make the loaf dense.
- Let the bread cool before slicing so the crumb can set properly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaf, about 12 slices
- Calories: 145 kcal
Keywords: white bread, homemade white bread, white bread recipe, soft white bread, easy white bread