This easy white bread recipe is perfect for sandwiches, and comes together quickly in a stand mixer. The bread has a fine, even texture, and is more dense and moist than store-boughten bread.
You can achieve a lighter loaf by allowing it to rise longer. However, I prefer a more dense loaf, so I don't let it rise too long.
Easy White Bread Recipe
First, place the yeast, water, and sugar in the mixing bowl of the stand mixer. I have a KitchenAid, but you can use a Bosch or any heavy duty stand mixer that includes a dough hook.
Next, add the flour, oil, and salt, and mix on low speed. When the flour is mostly mixed in, turn the speed to medium and beat the dough well.
If the dough sticks to the side of the bowl, you need to stop the mixer and add additional flour. I add a half cup at a time, and continue mixing on low till well mixed.
When the dough starts to pull together and 'clean' the sides of the mixing bowl, it is done. Beat it a bit longer on medium; this is the equivalent of kneading.
Pour a bit of oil into the bowl while on low speed, and let it coat the sides of the bowl and dough. Then turn the mixer OFF and remove the hook, and let the dough rise till doubled in size.
When the dough has risen, remove from bowl and divide in half. Take one half and shape into a loaf. Place in greased bread pan. Repeat with second half of dough.
Take a fork and poke the loaves of dough all the way through. This prevents the bread from forming large holes, and creates a fine, even bread texture.
Next, let the loaves rise again until doubled in size. This will take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending how warm it is in your house, how fresh the yeast is, and how much moisture there is in the air.
Finally, when the loaves have risen enough, preheat the oven to 350°. When the oven is hot, place bread inside and bake for 30-35 minutes.
When the bread is finished baking, remove from pans and cool on a wire rack. I brush the tops with butter while they are hot.
Bread flour vs. all purpose flour
Bread flour has a higher amount of protein than all-purpose flour. All purpose flour has a oration amount of 9-11%, while bread flour has a protein ratio of 11-13%. Higher amount of protein produces a more chewy bread. So bread flour is always you best bet for yeast breads, but if you have all purpose on hand, it will work too!
How to store white bread?
Store in a tightly closed plastic bread bag, or wrap in plastic. Store at room temperature - no need to refrigerate! This easy white bread will keep for 2-3 days. If you keep it longer than that, just pop it in the freezer.
Can I freeze bread?
Yes! This bread freezes very well. Place in a tightly closed bag and place in freezer. Use within 4 weeks for freshest flavor. To thaw, just place on counter at room temperature until completely thawed.
How to use day old bread
If you don't get all the bread eaten within a few days, it will not taste very fresh. You can still use it for things like Easy French Toast, or Buttery Stuffing. You can also stick extra slices in the freezer to make bread crumbs later, to use in these delicious Venison Meatballs. You can use this recipe to make Easy Cinnamon Bread, too!
Easy White Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 Tablespoon yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or crisco
- 5 cups bread flour up to 6-7 cups if needed
Instructions
- Place water, yeast, and sugar in bowl.
- Add flour, oil, and salt. Mix on low speed til mostly mixed.
- Beat dough on medium speed until well mixed.
- If dough is still sticking to sides of bowl, stop the mixer and add one-half cup more flour. Continue adding flour until the dough comes together and sticks to the dough hook, and cleans the sides of the bowl.
- When dough is mixed, pour a couple spoonfuls of oil into teh bowl and swirl teh dough a time or two to coat teh dough with oil. Turn off teh mixer and let the dough rise til doubled.
- When dough is risen, divide in half and form each half into a loaf. Place teh loaves into greased bread pans and poke the loaves with a fork.
- Let loaves rise again, until about doubled. Preheat oven to 350.
- Bake loaves of bread at 350 for 30-35 minutes. When bread is baked, remove from pan, and cool on a wire rack. Brush tops of bread with butter while still hot.
- Place in tightly closed bread bags and store on counter or in freezer.
My favorite go to bread recipe!!
Thank you so much! I am happy that you enjoy it.
Size of bread pans used is important…
What size, please?
I use 9x5 bread pans. Sorry I forgot to include that.
This recipe make a Full Size Sheet Pan Pizza for your family,bake at 400 F for 5-6 minutes pull out and top with your favorite toppings and bake for another 15-18 minutes,Enjoy😋
Tried this bread was great all my family loved it even my picky eater thank you will defo be making this again
I'm so glad to hear that!
I used to bake bread frequently, but when we moved to 7400', all my experimentation with different ratios of flour/yeast/water/etc resulted in 1lb bricks. Having given up, I apparently gave away all my bread pans (there were many).
I found your recipe this weekend, dug out a casserole dish (vintage of course), and tried once more. I was amazed at the ease of preparation (and so little cleanup). I've always hand-kneaded and never considered my mixer for kneading, until now. For the first time in over 5 years I've produced an actual featherweight loaf of bread. No recipe adjustments needed.
Thank you for publishing!
That's about the same elevation as we have here! I am so glad it worked for you!! Thank you for the nice review.
Are you using "instant" or "active" yeast?
Instant yeast.
I have tried many bread recipes with very poor results…
Ran across this recipe this morning, sounded plain and simple and easy to put together…. Had the pleasure of making this recipe with great results… Everything was easily
explained!!! It made two large loaves and turned out perfectly… The best bread I have ever made and will continue to make…. Thank You from the bottom of my heart for sharing your recipe !!!!
Thank you so much for the kind review! It truly made my day! This recipe has served my family well for decades, I hope it does the same for you.
Thank you for sharing your delicious bread recipe. Very easy with minimal clean up. 🙂https://youtu.be/5CDAOFI6mLo?si=iepiPCSApcoarZJX
You give such in depth information to be able to brave making the bread. Thank you !
Can you prep this and let it sit all night and bake in the morning?
I haven’t ever done that, but I think it might work if you leave it in the fridge overnight. It would rise too quickly on the counter.
Could you mix and do the first rise in a breadmachine??
Can I substitute the sugar for honey?
Yes, absolutely!
Hi I would like to know how long is the first rise ? Please
Well, it depends on how warm it is in your kitchen, etc. I usually figure an hour, but it can easy take more or less time.
This recipe worked slick my first even attempt at home made bread
Has anyone tried substituting coconut oil for veg oil? If so how did the bread turn out?
I’ve used coconut oil several times and it works great!
can I use butterbor olive oil, or even avocado oil instead.
Yes absolutely!
I am currently on my first rise…🤞🏻with traditional yeast. I didn’t read the comments to find out it’s a instant yeast recipe
Can I use this recipe to make cinnamon rolls instead of loafs?
Can I use this recipe for cinnamon rolls instead of a loaf?
Sure! But I would add more sugar and a spread of butter if making cinnamon rolls.
Sorry I didn't see this comment earlier. Yes you can!
Best and tastiest bread I have tried to make. I am making it for the third time this week.
I'm so happy you enjoy it! We eat a lot of this bread, too!