Valentina Ablaev
This easy bread recipe makes the perfect loaf from scratch. A fluffy loaf that comes together with just a few simple ingredients. The exterior is crisp and golden, while the inside is perfectly fluffy. This is an easy bread recipe that anyone can master, from beginners to pro bakers, making it the perfect homemade bread.
This easy white bread recipe is our go-to homemade bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, soups, and more! You can’t go wrong with homemade bread, and we’ve got it all. From classic sandwich bread to a flavorful focaccia – once you try making bread from scratch, there’s simply no going back!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Bread Recipe
- Simple baking. It doesn’t get easier than this bread recipe that uses everything you likely already have on hand. This easy bread recipe teaches you all the basics of bread-making with a foolproof process.
- No equipment required. This recipe requires a quick need by hand, meaning no fancy kitchenware or stand mixer is needed!
- One long rise. This recipe requires one 2-hour rise, followed by a quick 30-minute rise.
- Same-day bread. If you start the process in the morning, you will have freshly baked bread by lunchtime! Doesn’t get better than that!
Ingredients for Easy Bread Recipe
Simple ingredients make the perfect loaf –
- Flour – All-purpose flour is the perfect choice for a light, fluffy loaf.
- Liquid – We use a mixture of water and milk to make the bread extra fluffy. Heat the liquid to 105-115°F for the best result.
- Oil – Using oil in your bread results in a softer, extra-stretchy dough.
- Sugar – The necessary ingredient for activating the yeast and allowing the dough to rise properly.
- Yeast – We use active dry yeast for a reliable rise that gives you the perfect result.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Expert Tips
- Check your yeast. Did you know that yeast can expire and “die”? Yes, old yeast will not react properly, so check your yeast before using it if you’re unsure. To do this, simply sprinkle yeast and sugar over warm water. The yeast should start bubbling within 5 minutes.
- Watch the bread. Though 2 hours is a good timeline, the rise time of your bread can vary based on your environment. If your home is warmer, the bread may rise more quickly. Keep an eye on it, and once it doubles in size, you know it’s ready.
Active Yeast vs Instant Yeast
When it comes to traditional bread baking, you need yeast. There are typically two types of yeasts: active and instant. While both give you the same result, the process is slightly different.
- Active yeast: Consists of large granules that need to be activated before use. The process of “activating” the yeast is allowing it to bubble when mixed with liquid and sugar. Active yeast has a longer rise than instant yeast, allowing for a “yeastier” flavor.
- Instant yeast: Instant yeast does not need to be activated and can be added directly to the dry ingredients. It also has a quicker rise time and is great when in a time crunch.
For this recipe, we use active yeast and base the rise time on it. If using instant yeast, your rise may need to be shorter. The most reliable method is to watch the dough and wait until it doubles in size.
Tools for this Recipe
Shop all of Valentina’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and kitchen must-haves!
- A large mixing bowl makes mixing the dough easier and mess-free.
- We use an 8×13” pan to bake this bread.
How to Make Easy Bread (Step-by-Step Recipe)
This easy bread recipe is beginner-friendly and gives you a foolproof loaf:
- Dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Liquids. Make a well in the center and add the water, milk, and oil.
- Bloom yeast. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar on top and let sit for 5 minutes, until bubbly.
- Kneed. Mix everything until a dough forms. Transfer to a surface and knead for about 4 minutes, until smooth and slightly tacky.
- Rise. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let the dough rise for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape. Shape the dough into a loaf, gently twist it, and place it on the baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake. Place a dish with 2 cups of water on the bottom rack and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Serve. Let the bread cool for at least 1 hour before slicing, and enjoy!
FAQs
This recipe requires a 2-hour main rise and a shorter 30-minute rise before baking.
If your bread didn’t rise, this could be due to dead or expired yeast. This is why it’s crucial to check the yeast before using.
Though we haven’t tested this recipe with instant yeast, you can still use it. Swap with a 1:1 ratio, but keep an eye on the rise. Instant yeast will result in a quicker rise than active yeast.
Yes, you can make this bread dairy-free by using water in place of milk.
After a 20-25-minute bake, your bread is done when the exterior is golden and crisp, and the bottom has developed a golden brown crust.
You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the bread’s internal temperature. Bread is done baking when it reaches an internal temperature of 200°F.
How to Serve Baked Bread
- Sandwich: This bread makes the perfect turkey club sandwich from scratch!
- Soup: Nothing beats a homemade loaf with a bowl of comfort soup. Enjoy this bread with a comforting chicken noodle soup.
- Bread dip: Freshly baked bread tastes incredible when enjoyed with a dip. Whether you love a simple olive oil dip or a rich alfredo sauce, you simply can’t go wrong.
- A classic: Spread butter on a slice of fresh homemade bread for a timeless pairing. Bonus points if you drizzle a little honey!
Store & Reheat
- Storage. Keep leftover bread at room temperature, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days for peak freshness.
- Freeze the whole loaf. Baked bread freezes well and tastes great later! Simply freeze the cooled loaf and store it for up to 3 months. Reheat: Thaw the frozen bread in the fridge overnight. When ready to enjoy, add the loaf to the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. This will be enough time for it to warm through and taste fresh.
- Freeze bread slices. Cut the cooled bread into slices and arrange them in a freezer-safe bag, separating with parchment paper.
More Homemade Bread Recipes
If you enjoyed this simple bread recipe, be sure to try our other favorite bread recipes; here are some of our favorites:
Loaf Bread- Loaf Bread
- Sweet Bread
- Loaf Bread
- Loaf Bread
- Recipes
- Loaf Bread
If you tried this easy white bread recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!
Russian Bread
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour measured then sifted
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cup water 110°F
- 1/4 cup whole milk 110°F
- 2 tsp oil Canola or Olive oil
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt.
- Create a well in the center, then pour the water and milk into it.
- Add oil on top of the liquid, then sprinkle the yeast and sugar over it. Allow the yeast to activate for 5 minutes or until it bubbles.
- Mix everything by hand until well incorporated.
- Transfer the dough to the countertop and knead by hand for 4 minutes, or until smooth. The dough should be slightly tacky but not stick to your hands. If the dough is still sticking to your hands, add half a tsp of flour.
- Shape the dough into a ball and add it back to the bowl, and cover with a towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Take the dough out, shape it into a long loaf, and twist (this helps it rise round).
- Dust the loaf with flour and cover with a towel. Let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, add 2 cups of water to a baking dish, and place it on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is crisp and golden.
- Take the load out of the oven and allow it to cool for at least an hour before cutting into it.
Notes
- Which yeast is best? This recipe uses active dry yeast, which is slightly different from instant yeast. If using instant yeast, the rise time may be faster.
- Check your yeast: Yeast can expire and lose its effectiveness, so it’s important to test it if you’re unsure. Sprinkle yeast and sugar into warm water—if it bubbles within 5 minutes, it’s good to use.
- Keep an eye on the dough: While 2 hours is a general guideline, rise time depends on your environment. In warmer spaces, the dough may rise faster. It’s ready once it has doubled in size.
- Storage: Store bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.
- Freezing a whole loaf: Bread freezes well for later use. Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes.
- Freezing slices: Slice the cooled bread, then place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
