How to Make the Best White Bread from Scratch
Best white bread delivers pillowy crumb and buttery crust—learn simple tips to master bakery-quality loaves at home and wow everyone at dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 2 ¼ cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 6 to 6 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and stir in yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt, oil, and about half the flour. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours).
- Punch down the dough, divide in half, and shape into two loaves.
- Place loaves into greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise again until doubled (30–45 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Remove from pans and let cool on wire racks before slicing.