Is there anything more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen? I truly don’t think so—and if you’ve ever wished you could make your own soft, fluffy white bread without spending hours in the kitchen, this quick recipe is going to be your new go-to. The white bread (quick recipe) I’m sharing today is simple, approachable, and—best of all—absolutely delicious!
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What Makes This White Bread Recipe So Special?
This is a no-fuss, quick-rise white bread that gives you all the flavor and texture of classic sandwich bread, but with less time and fewer steps. It’s perfect for beginners or for days when you just don’t have the energy (or time!) to fuss with complicated baking schedules.
Reasons to Love This White Bread
Quick rise: Ready in under 2 hours, start to finish!
Soft and fluffy: The texture is light but sturdy—perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathered with butter.
Simple ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry already.
Beginner-friendly: No bread machine, no kneading by hand for 15 minutes. This is as easy as bread gets.
What Does It Taste Like?
This white bread is tender, slightly sweet, and has that soft, pillowy texture we all crave in a classic loaf. The crust is golden and lightly chewy, and the inside stays fresh for days—though I doubt it’ll last that long in your house!
Why You’ll Feel Good About Making It
Homemade = fewer preservatives
Customizable to your taste (and dietary needs!)
Budget-friendly—a loaf of bread for pennies compared to store-bought!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making this quick white bread:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (110°F)
¼ cup milk (room temperature)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here! Just a few kitchen basics:
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or dough hook (stand mixer optional)
9×5-inch loaf pan
Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
Oven
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! You can tweak this recipe easily:
Dairy-free? Use water instead of milk and oil instead of butter.
Gluten-free? Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (though texture may vary).
Want extra flavor? Add 1 tsp garlic powder or some chopped herbs to the dough.
Sweeter? Up the sugar to 2 tbsp for a honey-white bread vibe.
How to Make White Bread (Quick Recipe)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to go!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the milk, melted butter, salt, and about 2 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5–6 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Or, let your stand mixer do the work for you with a dough hook on medium-low speed for about 4 minutes.
Step 4: First Rise (Quick One!)
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30–40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch the dough down, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch pan. Cover again and let rise for another 20–25 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Cool
Remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack. Try to let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing—if you can wait that long!
What to Serve With White Bread
This bread is anything but boring!! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
Fresh out of the oven with a pat of salted butter
Toasted with a slather of jam or peanut butter
As a base for grilled cheese (seriously dreamy)
For hearty sandwiches like BLTs or turkey clubs
Alongside soup or stew for dipping!
Tips for Perfect White Bread Every Time
Don’t over-flour the dough—it should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
Use warm water, not hot! Too hot and it’ll kill the yeast.
Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area—an oven with the light on works great.
Brush the top with melted butter after baking for a softer crust and richer flavor.
How to Store White Bread
At room temperature: Wrap in plastic or store in a bread bag for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Slice it first, then freeze in a zip-top bag. Toast slices straight from the freezer!
General Information About This Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes
Yields: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Just be sure to activate it in warm water with sugar first and allow a slightly longer rise time.
My dough isn’t rising. What went wrong?
Check your yeast’s expiration date and make sure the water wasn’t too hot. Yeast needs warmth and a little sugar to wake up.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just divide the dough into two loaves and bake them side-by-side.
Can I make this in a bread machine?
Yes! Add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine and use the basic or white bread cycle.
In Conclusion…
There’s something so rewarding about baking your own bread—and this white bread (quick recipe) makes it easier than ever. It’s fast, it’s forgiving, and it tastes amazing. Whether you’re brand-new to bread baking or just want a reliable go-to, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
I’d love to see your creations! Leave a review below, and if you snap a photo, tag me on Pinterest—sharing your bakes truly makes my day.
Try These Other Bread Recipes Next:
Honey Whole Wheat Bread
Quick Dinner Rolls (30 Minutes!)
Soft Garlic Butter Breadsticks
No-Knead Artisan Bread
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx.)
Calories: 140
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 190mg