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A close-up shot of the freshly baked bread cooling on a wire rack placed on the white marble cooktop. The crust is golden brown, and a few slices are cut, revealing the soft, fluffy interior, making it ready to be enjoyed with butter or jam.

Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread Recipe

This homemade bread is soft, fluffy, and full of comforting, fresh-baked aroma. Simple ingredients and easy steps make it perfect for beginners. Enjoy warm slices with butter or your favorite spreads!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 171
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups warm water
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon dry active yeast
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons oil I used olive oil

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or dough hook
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Loaf pan
  • Oven
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
    A close-up shot of a glass mixing bowl placed on a white marble cooktop, filled with warm water, sugar, and dry active yeast. The mixture appears slightly foamy, indicating that the yeast has been activated. A wooden spoon rests nearby, ready for the next step in preparing Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread.
  2. Add salt, oil, and flour gradually, stirring until the dough forms.
    A close-up shot of the same glass mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop, now with salt, oil, and all-purpose flour being gradually added. A wooden spoon stirs the ingredients, forming a shaggy dough that will soon be kneaded into a smooth consistency.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    A close-up shot of hands kneading the dough on a lightly floured white marble countertop. The dough is becoming smooth and elastic, showing the proper kneading technique needed for a well-textured homemade bread.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
    A close-up shot of the dough placed in a greased glass bowl on the white marble cooktop. A soft kitchen towel covers the bowl, allowing the dough to rest and rise until it doubles in size, ensuring a light and airy bread texture.
  5. Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
    A close-up shot of the dough shaped into a smooth loaf and placed in a greased loaf pan on the white marble cooktop. The dough is evenly distributed, ready for its final rise before being baked to perfection.
  6. Let it rise again for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    A close-up shot of the loaf pan inside the oven, where the bread is baking to a golden brown. The top is rising beautifully, and a crisp crust is forming, releasing a warm, inviting aroma throughout the kitchen.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  8. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
    A close-up shot of the freshly baked bread cooling on a wire rack placed on the white marble cooktop. The crust is golden brown, and a few slices are cut, revealing the soft, fluffy interior, making it ready to be enjoyed with butter or jam.