Description
This classic Grandma’s Homemade Bread recipe creates the perfect loaf with a soft, fluffy texture and a golden, crispy crust. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a warm, fresh loaf that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of homemade bread. Whether you’re making sandwiches or enjoying a slice with butter, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (more for kneading)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. - Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, and honey (if using). Stir until the dough begins to come together. - Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. - First Rise:
Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. - Shape the Loaf:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. - Second Rise:
Cover the loaf with the kitchen towel again and let it rise for about 30 minutes, or until it has puffed up slightly. - Bake the Bread:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Cool:
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Add-ins: You can add 1/2 cup of seeds, nuts, or dried herbs to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Bread Storage: This bread stays fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature when wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a Crispier Crust: For an extra crispy crust, place a small pan of water at the bottom of the oven while baking, or spray the dough with water before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (from 12 slices per loaf)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg