Cozy Rustic Grandma’s Homemade Bread Recipe – Baked with Love

Warm, golden loaves of rustic grandmas homemade bread fill kitchens with an irresistible aroma that whispers comfort and tradition.

Generations have passed down this cherished recipe, capturing the essence of simple, hearty baking.

Kneading soft dough becomes a rhythmic dance of love and connection to culinary roots.

Each slice tells a story of patience and care, connecting us to memories of cozy family gatherings.

The modest ingredients transform into a magical creation that speaks directly to the soul.

Crusty on the outside and pillowy soft within, this bread promises to transport you to a world of pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Bake a loaf and let its warmth embrace your kitchen with timeless charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread

• Warm Water: Jumpstarts yeast growth and creates perfect proofing environment.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential microorganism that helps bread rise and develop rich flavor.
• Sugar: Provides food for yeast to activate and create beautiful bubbles.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient that creates bread's structure and soft crumb.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten development in dough.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious richness, tender texture, and subtle creamy undertone.
• Warm Water: Helps blend ingredients smoothly and supports dough hydration.

Tools That Help With Baking Grandma’s Bread Recipe

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing dough.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for activating yeast with warm water and sugar.
• Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurately measuring flour, water, and sugar.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing dough.
• Clean Kitchen Towel: Needed to cover dough during rising process.
• 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: Specific pan for shaping and baking bread.
• Wire Rack: Helps bread cool evenly after baking.
• Kneading Surface: Lightly floured countertop or cutting board for working dough.

Steps to Bake Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread

• Activate Yeast

Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small container. Wait 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, showing the yeast is alive and ready.

• Create Dough Base

Combine melted butter, salt, and activated yeast mixture in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add flour and blend until a soft dough develops.

• Knead and Develop Texture

Transfer dough to a floured surface. Massage and stretch the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy.

• First Rising Stage

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough should double in size.

• Shape the Loaf

Gently deflate the risen dough and mold it into a classic bread shape. Position in a greased loaf pan and allow it to rise again for 30-45 minutes.

• Bake to Perfection

Heat oven to 375F (190C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until it turns golden and produces a hollow sound when tapped.

• Cool and Serve

Remove bread from pan after 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack, slice, and enjoy with your favorite spread.

Tips for Better Crust on Grandma’s Homemade Bread

• Expert Bread-Making Secrets
• Use water between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it; too hot will destroy yeast, too cold won't wake it up properly.
• Stretch and fold dough instead of aggressive punching to develop gluten smoothly and create a lighter, airier texture.
• Place a pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack while baking to create steam, which helps develop a crispier, golden-brown crust.
• Swap wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for similar texture and rise, ensuring celiac-friendly deliciousness.
• Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.

How to Slice and Serve Homemade Bread Like Grandma

• Rustic Breakfast Companion: Pair warm, freshly sliced bread with soft scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a dollop of homemade strawberry jam for a cozy morning feast.
• Sandwich Sensation: Use thick, hearty slices to create gourmet sandwiches with roasted turkey, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado spread for a satisfying lunch.
• Comfort Dipping Delight: Serve alongside a steaming bowl of homemade tomato soup or creamy potato chowder, perfect for soaking up rich, flavorful broths and warming your soul on chilly days.
• Appetizer Accent: Cut bread into thin rounds, toast lightly, and top with herbed goat cheese, caramelized onions, or olive tapenade for elegant party finger foods that will impress guests.

Bread Storage Advice That Matches Grandma’s Ways

• Consume within 3-4 days at room temperature, storing in a sealed bread box or airtight container to maintain softness and prevent staleness.
• Avoid refrigerating homemade bread as cold temperatures accelerate staling, causing bread to dry out faster and lose its delightful texture.
• Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours, restoring nearly fresh-baked quality.
• Keep bread in a cloth bag or paper bag with minimal air exposure, placed away from direct sunlight and heat sources to extend freshness and prevent mold growth.

Rustic Grandmas Homemade Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Grandma’s perfect homemade bread brings warmth and comfort straight from her cherished kitchen. Pillowy slices embrace memories of love, promising rich flavors that connect generations with each lovingly kneaded bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Merge warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl, allowing the mixture to bloom for 5-10 minutes until a frothy texture develops, indicating active yeast.
2. Dough Preparation: Combine melted butter, salt, and activated yeast mixture in a large mixing bowl, then incrementally incorporate flour until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a lightly dusted surface and vigorously work the mixture for 8-10 minutes, developing a smooth, resilient texture that springs back when touched.
4. First Fermentation: Nestle the dough in a greased bowl, drape with a clean cloth, and position in a warm environment to rise until volume doubles, approximately one hour.
5. Shaping and Second Rise: Deflate the dough, mold into a symmetrical loaf, position in a greased 9×5-inch pan, then allow a secondary rise of 30-45 minutes until puffy.
6. Baking: Preheat oven to 375F (190C), then bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, achieving a golden-brown crust and confirming doneness by tapping the loaf, which should sound hollow.
7. Cooling and Serving: Rest the bread in the pan for 5 minutes, transfer to a wire rack, then slice and savor with accompaniments like butter, honey, or jam.

Notes

• Ensure water is warm (110-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it – too hot or cold will prevent proper rising.
• Use heel of hand to stretch and fold dough, creating strong gluten network for light, airy texture – consistent kneading develops bread’s structure.
• Place dough in draft-free, warm spot around 80-85°F – near a preheating oven or wrapped in warm towel helps yeast grow effectively.
• Cover dough with damp cloth during rising to prevent surface from drying out – keeps dough soft and prevents hard crust formation before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg