This traditional white bread recipe is perfect for those who love the comforting taste of homemade bread. With a soft, fluffy texture and a golden crust, this bread is ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, you might need to check if you have active dry yeast on hand, as it's essential for the bread to rise properly. If you don't have it, you can find it in the baking aisle of your supermarket.

Ingredients For Traditional White Bread Recipe
Flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
Active dry yeast: The leavening agent that makes the bread rise.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the bread.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This helps develop the gluten structure, making the bread light and airy. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser loaf.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten intolerance, a gluten-free blend can be used, though the texture may vary.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a unique flavor and natural sweetness.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and a purer taste.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and may rise faster.
active dry yeast - Substitute with fresh yeast: Fresh yeast can provide a more robust flavor but requires a different measurement and activation process.
warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add richness and a softer texture to the bread.
warm water - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and tender crumb.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil adds a distinct flavor and healthy fats.
vegetable oil - Substitute with melted butter: Melted butter adds richness and a buttery flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Bread
How to Store or Freeze Your Bread
Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the bread soggy.
For short-term storage, place the bread in a bread box or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. This helps maintain the crust's texture while keeping the interior soft.
If you prefer using plastic, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag. This method is effective for keeping the bread fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
For longer storage, consider freezing the bread. Slice the loaf before freezing so you can easily take out just what you need. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the bread fresh for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen bread, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. For a quicker option, you can also toast the slices directly from the freezer.
If you want to refresh the bread after thawing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the bread in aluminum foil, and bake for about 10 minutes. This will help restore some of the original texture and warmth.
Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator, as this can cause it to dry out more quickly. The cool temperature accelerates the staling process, making the bread less enjoyable.
If you notice the bread starting to go stale, don't throw it away. Stale bread can be repurposed into delicious croutons, bread pudding, or even breadcrumbs for other recipes.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread loaf in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on the middle rack and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method will give you a warm, slightly crispy crust while keeping the inside soft.
Toaster Oven: Slice the bread and place the slices directly on the toaster oven rack. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method is perfect for achieving a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Microwave: Place a slice of bread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This method is quick but may result in a softer crust.
Stovetop Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the bread slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. This method will give you a nice, toasty exterior while keeping the inside soft and warm.
Steam Reheat: Place a steaming rack in a pot with a small amount of water. Bring the water to a simmer. Place the bread on the rack, cover the pot, and steam for 5-7 minutes. This method will keep the bread moist and soft, perfect for those who prefer a tender texture.
Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the bread slices in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't get too crispy. This method is great for a quick and even reheat with a slight crunch.
Best Tools for Baking This Bread
Mixing bowl: A large container used to combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast together.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour and warm water.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the sugar, salt, and active dry yeast.
Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the ingredients until a dough forms.
Floured surface: A clean, flat area dusted with flour where you will knead the dough.
Hands: Your best tools for kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Greased bowl: A bowl coated with a thin layer of oil to prevent the dough from sticking while it rises.
Clean kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises to keep it warm and moist.
Loaf pan: A greased pan where you will place the shaped dough for its final rise and baking.
Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the bread to a golden brown.
Wire rack: A cooling rack where the bread will cool down after baking.
Knife: Used for slicing the bread once it has cooled.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Measure ingredients in advance: Prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline the process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can knead the dough more efficiently than by hand.
Warm environment for rising: Place the dough in a slightly warm oven to speed up the rising process.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while the dough is rising to save time.
Double batch: Make a double batch and freeze one loaf for later use.

Traditional White Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Active dry yeast
- 1.5 cups Warm water
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil
Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- 2. Add the warm water and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- 4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 5. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased loaf pan.
- 6. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes, or until doubled.
- 7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- 8. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
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