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4.98 from 48 votes

White Bread Recipe

This simple white bread is perfect for both the bread novice and pro baker. It's tender, delicious, and SO easy!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
proofing time2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time3 hours 15 minutes
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 loaves
Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

  • 2¼ cups warm water (110–115 degrees F)
  • 2¼ teaspoons rapid rise yeast (1 packet)
  • 3 tablespoons +½ teaspoon sugar, divided
  • 5-6 cups bread flour, divided
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

Topping

  • butter (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and ½ teaspoon sugar in warm water; let stand until bubbles form on the surface.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar and the salt.
  • Stir oil into yeast mixture, then pour into flour mixture and mix until smooth. Stir in remaining flour ½ cup at a time to form a soft dough.
  • Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes. Place in a large, greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1½-2 hours.
  • Punch dough down and place onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half and shape each piece into a loaf.
  • Place in two greased 5-x-9-inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1-1½ hours.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Bake loaves for 26-34 minutes, or until golden brown and bread has reached an internal temperature of 200 degrees F (bread should sound hollow when tapped).
  • Remove bread from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool. Brush tops with butter while warm.

Video

Notes

Make ahead of time. Place baked ad cooled loaves in a large resealable plastic bag and store on the counter for 3–4 days. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This bread also freezes beautifully. 
Use it up. This homemade bread is perfect for making French Toast Bake, Breakfast Strata, French Toast, Monte Cristo Sandwiches and Homemade Croutons. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1loaf | Calories: 1381kcal | Carbohydrates: 254g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 3515mg | Potassium: 443mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg