There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. This Simple White Bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike—it uses just a few pantry staples and turns out soft, flavorful loaves every time. The best part? You can double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe so your home is always stocked with warm, homemade bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread is light, fluffy, and so tasty that you can enjoy it with just a smear of butter—or completely on its own. It’s a perfect blank canvas for sandwiches, toast, or soaking up your favorite soup. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
A Family Tradition
My mother-in-law used to bake bread with the kids from the moment they were tall enough to reach the countertop. They loved helping—hands in the dough, giggling, learning—and those memories stuck with me. As a mom of five, I’ve always dreamed of being that person who bakes bread from scratch with love and intention. And with this recipe, that dream feels totally doable—even daily!
The Easiest Bread You’ll Ever Make
With flour disappearing from shelves and store-bought bread not always easy to find, this recipe couldn’t come at a better time. It’s easy, flexible, and uses less flour than most traditional recipes—perfect for making the most of your ingredients. And don’t let the overnight rest scare you off! It actually makes your life easier by letting you prep ahead and bake when you’re ready.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2½ teaspoons (1 packet) dry active yeast (not rapid rise)
- 2½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a measuring cup, stir together the sugar and yeast in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Let it sit until it’s foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
3. Knead
Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Refrigerate
Place the dough into a plastic zip-top bag that’s been drizzled with olive oil, turning the dough to coat. Seal and refrigerate overnight (or up to a few days).
When You’re Ready to Bake
5. Bring to Room Temp
Remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature (still in the bag) for about an hour.
6. Shape the Loaf
Flour your surface again, remove the dough from the bag, and knead for 1 minute. Form into a loaf shape and place in a greased 8-inch loaf pan.
7. Let It Rise
Cover loosely (you can reuse the plastic bag!) and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until nearly doubled in size.
8. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the dough has risen, slash the top with a sharp knife and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 190–210°F.
9. Cool & Slice
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Slather with butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for the ultimate treat!
Can You Bake It Right Away?
Yes! If you’re in a hurry, skip the overnight step. Just follow the directions through kneading, shape the loaf, rise, and bake as directed. It still turns out wonderfully soft and delicious.
Make It a Habit
Once you try this Simple White Bread, you’ll understand why I make several loaves a week. It’s kid-approved, beginner-friendly, and truly comforting. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next morning, it’s the kind of recipe that turns a house into a home.