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Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread


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  • Author: Julie
  • Total Time: 3 hours (including rise times)
  • Yield: 2 loaves (about 16 slices total)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A timeless, soft and fluffy white loaf that tastes like nostalgia in every slice—perfect for sandwiches, toasting, soups, or just slathered with butter.


Ingredients

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  • 2 ½ cups warm water (around 110 °F / 40–43 °C)

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • 1 Tablespoon dry active yeast (≈ ¾ packet)

  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt

  • 5 cups all‑purpose flour

  • 2 Tablespoons oil (olive oil)


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. Add the salt and oil, then gradually stir in the flour until a dough forms.

  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

  5. Punch down the dough, divide it in half, and shape into two loaves. Place in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.

  6. Cover and let rise again for another 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled.

  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.

  9. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Make sure water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.

You can substitute olive oil with vegetable or canola oil.

For a softer crust, brush the tops with melted butter right after baking.

Bread freezes well for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking, Kneading
  • Cuisine: American