I love whipping up my Homemade White Bread using just pantry staples. With a blend of 3 cups all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, and a splash of vegetable oil, this recipe brings simplicity to my kitchen. It’s a satisfying, straightforward recipe perfect for any sandwich.

Jump to Recipe

I discovered a super simple homemade bread recipe that I just had to share. I don’t normally mess around with fancy ingredients, but when I saw that it only used 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, I knew I was onto something special.

This basic homemade bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking for that classic white sandwich bread without all the fuss—it’s like an easy peasy homemade bread you can whip up in no time! I’ve tried recipes that claim no yeast is needed but trust me, using yeast just works so much better and adds that perfect texture.

The process is straightforward and anyone can do it. Get ready to experience the satisfaction of making your own sandwich bread at home without any complications.

Enjoy the journey and happy baking!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons:

1. I like that it’s super simple and doesn’t require a million ingredients. I already have everything in my pantry so its really convenient.
2. I love how straightforward it is to follow. Watching the yeast get frothy and kneading the dough makes me feel like a real baker.
3. I appreciate that the bread comes out soft and perfect for sandwiches. Plus, it freezes really well which makes it a win for busy days.
4. I enjoy how clear and easy the instructions are even if they’re a bit rough around the edges. It makes the whole process feel fun and relaxing.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Ingredient Quantities

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F) with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and the 1 packet of active dry yeast; let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt.

3. Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the flour and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

4. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms.

5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic.

6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Once risen, punch the dough gently to release some air, then turn it out onto the counter.

8. Shape the dough into a loaf, placing it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

9. Allow the dough to rise again in the pan for about 30 minutes, until it rises just above the edge of the pan.

10. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until its top is golden brown. Let cool before slicing for your sandwiches or storing in the freezer.

Equipment Needed

1. A small bowl to mix the warm water, sugar and yeast
2. A measuring cup to accurately measure 1 cup of warm water
3. Measuring spoons to measure out 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
4. A large bowl for combining the all-purpose flour with the salt
5. A spoon or spatula for stirring until you get a shaggy dough
6. A lightly floured surface where you can knead the dough
7. A clean towel to cover the dough for its rising time
8. A greased 9×5 inch loaf pan to shape the dough into a loaf
9. An oven preheated to 375°F for baking the bread
10. A cooling rack to let the bread cool before slicing if you have one

FAQ

Q: What does the active dry yeast do in the recipe?

A: The yeast makes the dough rise by producing carbon dioxide which gives the bread that soft, airy texture.

Q: How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

A: You need to see it double in size. If it hasn't doubled, give it a bit more time in a warm spot.

Q: What if I dont have warm water at 110°F?

A: Use water that feels just warm to your touch. If it's too hot it might kill the yeast, and too cold wont activate it properly.

Q: Can i use a different type of flour than all-purpose?

A: Sure, you can swap some of it with whole wheat flour but keep in mind it might change the texture and flavor a bit.

Q: How long does it take to bake completely?

A: After the dough has risen and you put it in a preheated oven, it usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes for the bread to bake fully.

Easiest Homemade Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use bread flour instead. It gives the bread a chewier texture and works pretty well.
You can swap active dry yeast for instant yeast. Just use about 25 percent less if you’re using instant yeast since it’s more potent.
If you’re out of granulated sugar, honey makes a great alternative. Use one and a half tablespoons of honey for every two tablespoons of sugar and mix it with the water.
Instead of vegetable oil, you can use melted butter. It gives the bread a slightly richer flavor but keep in mind it might change the texture a bit.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your water is really around 110°F when you mix it with the yeast – if its too hot or too cold, the yeast might not activate properly, which will mess up your bread rising.

2. Don’t rush the kneading process. Even though it takes time and might get a bit messy, kneading well is super important cause it helps the gluten develop and makes your bread texture way better.

3. When your dough is rising, keep it in a warm, draft-free spot and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. This not only stops it from drying out but also gives it a better chance to double in size.

4. Allow your bread to cool completely before slicing, even if you’re impatient. Cutting it while warm can make it turn out gummy and less tasty overall.