Simple White Bread: Soft Loaf, Crisp Crust

Created on November 21st, 2025 at 12:14 pm

Warm, fresh white bread

Making white bread at home brings a sense of satisfaction that few other baking endeavors can provide. With a crisp crust and soft, pillowy interior, homemade bread offers an aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting family and friends to gather. This article presents ten straightforward white bread dough recipes that will transform your kitchen into your own artisanal bakery. Each recipe embraces the simplicity of flour, water, yeast, and salt, turning basic ingredients into vibrant, delectable loaves. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic loaf for sandwiches or a soft dinner roll, this guide will help you create bread that is not only fresh but also deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade white bread is a world apart from store-bought versions. The flavor is nuanced and comforting, without preservatives or artificial ingredients. The tender crumb is perfect for toasting or slathering with butter, while the golden crust offers a delightful contrast in texture with each bite. What’s more, bread made with your own hands is filled with warmth — both in temperature and in the love you put into it. The process is straightforward, making it an excellent opportunity to experiment and create something special. Leftovers make delightful toast or sandwiches the following day, proving that fresh bread is a gift that keeps on giving.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15–30 minutes
Cook Time: 30–45 minutes
Total Time: 1–2 hours
Servings: Varies by recipe

Ingredients List

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• Optional: more flour for dusting

Kitchen Tools

Baking bread requires just a few essentials, making it approachable for every home cook.

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk
• Baking sheet or loaf pan
• Clean kitchen towel
• Oven thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is active and bubbling with promise.
2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and springy under your hands.
4. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You can enjoy the warmth of the rising dough, sensing the anticipation it brings.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough to expel the air, and shape it into a loaf or divide it for rolls. Place it into a greased loaf pan or onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Cover the shaped dough with the towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time, filling your kitchen with warmth.
7. Bake the bread for 30–45 minutes or until the crust turns a golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let the loaf cool on a rack, allowing the bread to set before slicing.

Pro Tips

• Ensure your water temperature is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Aim for warm but not hot.
• For added flavor, try incorporating herbs or spices into the dough.
• You can create a homemade bread bowl for soups by shaping the dough into smaller rounds.
• Let any leftover bread sit overnight to enhance its flavor, as it will continue to deepen with time.

Simple Comfort, Made Fresh

Each of these recipes for white bread dough invites you to create something beautiful and satisfying. The straightforward process of making bread by hand reveals a deeper connection to your food and your kitchen. Enjoy the fruits of your labor warm out of the oven or as part of your family’s meals. This humble loaf makes every meal complete, inviting warmth and comfort into your home.

Nutritin Table

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	120 kcal
Protein	4 g
Fat	2 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	100 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.