The BEST Homemade Bread Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

This is the BEST easy homemade bread recipe that’s simple to make with super soft and tender results. A slice of this fluffy white bread is perfect for sandwiches and freezes well.

We love to top this bread recipe with butter and homemade jam! Other favorite breads to make include homemade French bread and this no knead Dutch oven bread.

Easy Bread Recipe

There really is nothing better than a warmsliceof bread with butter and homemade strawberry jam on top. While I love making artisan bread, I tend to make this white bread recipe for my family the most!

I learned to make this bread when I was 12 and have been making it ever since. The evaporated milk adds the best flavor and the perfect texture. I even made a brioche bread, but this original recipe will always have my heart!

I’m excited to share all my bread making tips with you. Don’t let yeast intimidate you, this easy bread recipe is fool proof. Seriously there is nothing better in my opinion than a warm loaf of homemade bread to go with dinner or to make a sandwichfor lunch .

Ingredients

Find the fullprintable recipewith specific measurements below.

• Warm water: The water temperature is key. If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast. I like to keep it around 105°F.
• Active dry yeast: Make sure you are using fresh yeast. If your yeast is old, your bread will not rise.
• Granulated sugar: This adds the perfect sweetness.
• Butter: The butter adds the perfect flavor.
• Salt: The salt will bring all the flavors together.
• Evaporated milk: This is the secret ingredient that really adds the perfect flavor and tenderness. You can substitute with milk if needed.
• Flour: I’ve made this recipe with bread and all-purpose flour, both will work well. Be careful not to add too much, add slowly at the end.

How To Make Bread

Follow these step by step instructions and tips on how to form your homemade bread for best results.

1. Proof the yeast: Let the yeast bubble up in warm water. You want the yeast mixture to be foamy and dissolved before you add to the flour.
2. Mix together: Add a little more flour and keep mixing until the dough comes off the edge of the mixer. You know it’s done when your finger no longer sticks to the dough.
3. First rise: While you’re letting the dough rise, cover the bowl with a warm towel and set by a window. You can also turn the oven to 175°F and then turn it off. Then place the bowl inside the oven and let it rise there. Make sure the dough has doubled in size before touching it.
4. Shape the dough: When the dough is ready to be formed, punch the dough and then cut in half to make two loaves on a lightly floured surface. Press the dough down removing any air bubbles and start kneading for a couple minutes. Form a loaf and tuck the ends under.
5. Second rise: Stick the two loves in bread pans and then let the dough rise until it has doubled in size or formed the perfect size bread.
6. Bake: Then it’s ready to bake! Bake until golden brown and then butter the tops.

Expert Tips

• Weather can affect ingredients: The weather outside can affect the overall consistency of the dough. If it is too humid, your dough may be too sticky. Add in additional flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of your mixer (and your finger doesn’t stick to the dough when you press on it).
• Temperature can affect the rise: If your house is on the cooler side, your dough can take a lot longer to rise. Whenever I bake bread in the winter, I let it rise in the oven. Turn on the oven for 2-3 minutes, then turn if off to trap in the heat and place your bowl inside.
• Food thermometer: Using a thermometer is an easy way to make sure the temperature of your water is just right. It should feel like warm bath water, around 105°F.
• Stand mixer is best to fully knead: Although you can knead by hand, using a KitchenAid stand mixer with a dough hook saves you time and energy. It’s a game changer for making the best homemade bread recipe!
• Towel: You’ll need a towel to cover the bowl while the dough rises. I love using these flour sack towels because they’re just the right width – not too thick and not too thin.
• Bread Pans: This recipe makes two loaves, so you’ll need two 9×5″ bread pans. You can also use loaf pans that are ceramic, glass or cast iron.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

The bread will keep for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container or bag. It will also stay fresh if tightly wrapped in foil.

To freeze the bread after it’s been baked, simply let cool completely then wrap in foil or saran wrap. Then stick in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the doughafter it rises the first time. Just make sure to let it rise again as it thaws.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!