1. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. This recipe is designed for beginners and can be made entirely by hand using a large mixing bowl and a wooden spoon. Just knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. What if I only have instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

You can substitute instant yeast, but you’ll skip the proofing step. Just mix the yeast in with the dry ingredients and continue with the recipe as written. Keep in mind that rise times may be a bit shorter with instant yeast.

3. How can I tell when my bread is done baking?

Your bread is ready when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on top. This typically takes 30–33 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Homemade Bread Recipe - Superb Recipe

Description

A soft, fluffy, beginner-friendly homemade white bread recipe made with six pantry ingredients. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a comforting side to any meal. No special equipment or advanced baking skills needed.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups warm water (105–115°F)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey or sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
4–5 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour

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Instructions

In a large bowl or stand mixer, add warm water, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar or honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add the remaining sugar or honey, salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Mix to combine. Add more flour 1/2 cup at a time until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft and slightly sticky.
Knead for 5 minutes in a mixer or 5–8 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough, divide into two equal parts, shape into loaves, and place into greased 9×5-inch pans.
Cover the pans and let the dough rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until risen about 1 inch above the rim.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 30–33 minutes or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
Remove from pans, cool on a wire rack, brush tops with butter if desired, and allow to cool before slicing.

Notes

If using instant yeast, skip proofing and add yeast directly with dry ingredients.
Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
Don’t add too much flour—dough should be slightly sticky.
Use the oven’s warmth to help dough rise faster (preheat to 180°F, turn off, and place dough inside with door cracked open).
Freezes well before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and store for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
Calories: 202
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 196mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg