There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh, homemade bread filling the kitchen. Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread is soft, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this simple recipe will give you a delicious, golden loaf with the perfect texture. It’s great for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter and honey!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tried and True – A classic family recipe passed down for generations.
- Soft and Fluffy – Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dinner rolls.
- Easy to Make – Uses simple pantry staples and minimal hands-on time.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and store for later use.
- Customizable – Add herbs, seeds, or honey for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Warm water (about 110°F)
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar or honey
- Salt
- Butter (melted)
- All-purpose or bread flour
Directions
- Activate the Yeast – In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar (or honey), and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough – Add melted butter and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough – Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaves – Punch down the dough, divide it in half, and shape into loaves. Place in greased loaf pans.
- Second Rise – Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until the dough has risen above the pan.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve – Let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or honey.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 loaves
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Whole Wheat Version – Swap half of the flour for whole wheat flour.
- Honey Bread – Use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Herbed Bread – Add dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Seeded Loaf – Sprinkle sesame, flax, or sunflower seeds on top before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight bag for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week, but it may dry out faster.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or toast before serving.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.
Why didn’t my bread rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh, and the water is warm but not too hot (110°F is ideal).
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Tap the top—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be about 190°F.
Can I make rolls with this dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into small rolls and bake for 15-20 minutes.
How do I prevent my bread from drying out?
Store in an airtight bag or wrap in plastic wrap once cooled.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Bread flour will make the bread slightly chewier and more structured.
What’s the best way to slice homemade bread?
Use a serrated bread knife and let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Yes! Add up to ½ cup of chopped nuts, raisins, or cranberries to the dough.
What should I serve with this bread?
Enjoy with butter, honey, jam, soup, or even as sandwich bread.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread is a timeless recipe that fills your home with warmth and delicious aroma. Whether you’re making it for family, meal prep, or just for fun, this soft, fluffy bread will be a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade bread!
Print
Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread recipe is soft, fluffy, and golden brown with a slightly chewy crust. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just slathering with butter. Made with simple ingredients, this timeless classic is a must-have for any kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar.
- Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes, until foamy (this means the yeast is active).
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, salt, and yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape & Second Rise:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.
5. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
6. Cool & Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy with butter, honey, or jam!
Notes
- Make it Whole Wheat: Swap 1 cup of flour for whole wheat flour.
- Extra Soft Bread: Brush with melted butter after baking.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.