There’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. This Country-Style White Bread is the kind of recipe that brings back memories of lazy Sunday mornings, flour-dusted aprons, and warm slices of bread slathered with butter. Soft, fluffy, and beautifully golden — this bread is everything homemade bread should be.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture: Perfect for sandwiches or toast.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry already!
- Beginner-friendly: No bread machine or special equipment required.
- Versatile: Works as sandwich bread, dinner rolls, or even French toast.
What It Tastes Like
Warm, pillowy, and slightly sweet with a buttery crust — this bread is the very definition of comfort food. It’s light enough for everyday sandwiches but hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Once you taste it warm from the oven, it’s hard to go back to store-bought!
Benefits of Homemade Bread
- No preservatives or artificial additives.
- Freshly baked = unbeatable flavor and aroma.
- More affordable than buying bakery bread.
- A fun and relaxing kitchen ritual — kneading is pure therapy!
Ingredients
- 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook (if using a mixer)
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Pastry brush (optional)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- For richer flavor: Substitute melted butter for the oil.
- Whole grain version: Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Dairy-free: Skip the egg — the bread will still rise beautifully, just be slightly less rich.
- Sweet variation: Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Add the egg, oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let It Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat.
- Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover again and let rise for 45–60 minutes, until the dough rises about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Optional: Brush the top with melted butter for a soft, shiny crust.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
What to Serve With Country-Style White Bread
- Homemade jams or honey for breakfast.
- Soup or chili for a cozy dinner pairing.
- Classic sandwiches — turkey, ham, or grilled cheese.
- French toast or bread pudding for day-old slices.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf
- Use fresh yeast — if it doesn’t foam, start again.
- Warm, not hot water — too hot can kill the yeast.
- Don’t rush the rise — a slow rise means better texture.
- Brush with butter after baking for that irresistible bakery shine.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in a bread box or airtight bag for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days (though it may dry out slightly).
- Freezer: Slice, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Toast straight from frozen!
General Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yields: 1 loaf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Hand-kneading works perfectly — just a good arm workout!
How do I know when the bread is done?
Tap the bottom of the loaf — if it sounds hollow, it’s ready.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just bake in two pans or shape into rolls.
How do I make the crust softer?
Brush with melted butter right after baking and cover with a towel as it cools.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the smell (and taste!) of fresh-baked Country-Style White Bread. Golden on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and endlessly versatile — it’s everything homemade bread should be. Whether you’re new to bread baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will win your heart (and your taste buds).
✨ Craving more cozy bakes? Try my Cake in 15 Minutes! or Creamy Layered Delight next — both bring that same homemade warmth straight from the oven.
🍞 Interactive Corner
Did you bake this bread? I’d love to see how it turned out!
📸 Share your loaf on Pinterest or tag #Mmmrecipes so we can celebrate your success!
💬 Drop a comment below and tell me how you served it — butter, jam, or maybe a little cinnamon sugar?
Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
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