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homemade-bread-loaf-cut-in-half-on-a-chopping-board-with-a-knife

Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread Recipe

This homemade bread is soft, fluffy, and full of nostalgia, just like Grandma used to make. It has a light, airy texture with a golden crust, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. A simple yet foolproof recipe for bakery-style loaves.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 16 slices
Calories 171 kcal

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with a dough hook
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Two 9×5-inch loaf pans
  • Baking sheet (optional for stability)
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp yeast
  • 2½ cup warm water
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • ¼ cup sugar

Instructions
 

  • In a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast.
    combining-bread-ingredients-in-a-mixing-bowl-2
  • Allow the yeast to proof until it bubbles, about 5 minutes.
    activated-yeast-mixture-in-a-bowl-with-bubbles-forming
  • Using the dough hook attachment, gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until the dough forms and becomes soft.
    flour-being-added-to-yeast-mixture-for-bread-dough-2
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic, shaping it into a ball.
    kneading-bread-dough-on-a-floured-surface
  • Lightly coat a large bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and cover it.
  • Let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until doubled in size.
    bread-dough-in-a-bowl-covered-for-first-rise
  • Prepare two 9×5-inch loaf pans by greasing and flouring them.
  • Punch down the dough to release air, then divide it into two equal portions.
    forming-bread-dough-into-loaf-shape-for-second-rise
  • Roll each into a loaf shape and place them in the prepared pans.
    bread-dough-rising-in-loaf-pans-before-baking
  • Let the loaves rise again for another 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until they have doubled in size.
  • Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
    golden-brown-bread-loaf-baking-in-the-oven
  • Remove from the oven, cool for 10 minutes, then slice and enjoy.
    sliced-homemade-bread-ready-to-serve

Notes

  • For a softer crust, brush the loaves with melted butter immediately after baking.
  • Bread flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
  • To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow.