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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Dough Preparation: Combine melted butter, salt, and activated yeast mixture in a large mixing bowl, then incrementally incorporate flour until a cohesive dough forms.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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