Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread
There’s just something magical about baking bread from scratch. The smell filling your kitchen, the warmth of a fresh loaf, and the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself—it’s comfort in every bite. This recipe for Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread is exactly what the name promises: simple, reliable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this foolproof recipe will leave you with soft, golden loaves that taste just like Grandma used to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Timeless & Nostalgic
It’s the kind of bread that brings you back to slow mornings with a buttered slice and your favorite jam. Cozy and comforting in every bite.
✔️ Beginner-Friendly
Even if working with yeast feels intimidating, this recipe takes you step-by-step through the process. If Grandma could do it, so can you!
✔️ Budget-Conscious
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up two loaves that taste way better than anything from the store.
✔️ Versatile
Perfect for toast, sandwiches, or transforming into French toast or croutons if you have leftovers.
✔️ Satisfying to Make
Kneading dough is basically therapy. You’ll feel so accomplished watching it rise and bake into beautiful, golden loaves.
Ingredients
(Full measurements below in the recipe card)
- Warm Water – Wakes up the yeast and brings the dough together.
- Sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds just a touch of sweetness.
- Salt – Balances the flavors.
- Active Dry Yeast – The magic behind the rise.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for that perfect soft crumb.
- Oil – Keeps the bread moist and tender (olive oil works great).
How to Make Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture gets foamy—this means your yeast is alive and ready to go.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Slowly add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. (Or let your mixer do the work with a dough hook!)
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover with a towel and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide into two equal parts, shape into loaves, and place into greased and floured 9×5-inch pans.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover again and let the loaves rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffed up.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Tap the bottom of a loaf—it should sound hollow.
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Recipe Card
Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread
Yield: 2 loaves
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hrs 30 min | 35 min | 3 hrs 5 min |
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups warm water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive oil recommended)
Instructions:
- Combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1–1.5 hours).
- Punch down dough, divide in half, and shape into loaves. Place in greased 9×5-inch pans.
- Let rise again until doubled (30–40 minutes).
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes, slice, and enjoy.
Nutrition (Per Slice):
Calories: ~120
Sugar: ~2g
Sodium: ~180mg
Fat: ~2g
Carbohydrates: ~22g
Fiber: ~1g
Protein: ~3g
Pro Tips
- Proof like a pro: If your kitchen is cool, let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on for gentle warmth.
- Customize it: Add cinnamon, raisins, seeds, or swap olive oil for melted butter.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes! Skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Not this one, sorry! You’ll need a recipe tailored for gluten-free flours.
How can I keep my bread soft?
Store in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container.
What if it goes stale?
Turn it into croutons, bread pudding, or breadcrumbs.
Can I make this in a bread machine?
Totally! Use the dough cycle, then shape, rise, and bake as instructed.
Final Thoughts
Homemade bread has a way of making any day feel special. Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s make something amazing!
