Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread

There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of homemade bread filling the kitchen. Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread is a cherished, timeless recipe passed down through generations. It’s soft, fluffy, and has that perfect golden crust that makes every bite irresistible. Whether I’m making toast in the morning or pairing it with a hearty soup, this bread always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and satisfying this bread is to make. There’s no need for fancy tools or complicated steps—just classic ingredients and a little patience. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and the dough is incredibly easy to work with. Best of all, the final result is far superior to anything I could buy at the store. It’s the kind of bread that makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something special every time I bake it.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Warm water

• Granulated sugar

• Active dry yeast

• Salt

• Vegetable oil

• All-purpose flour

Directions

1. I start by dissolving the sugar in warm water and then stirring in the yeast. I let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Next, I mix in the salt and oil before gradually adding the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

3. I knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Then I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Once risen, I punch the dough down, divide it in half, and shape each half into a loaf.

6. I place the loaves into greased loaf pans, cover them again, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

7. Finally, I bake the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.

8. I remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 standard loaves of bread. Each loaf yields about 12 slices, depending on how thick I cut them. The prep time is around 15 minutes, and the total rise time is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Baking takes 30-35 minutes, so I usually set aside about 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I like to get creative with this classic. I swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to give it a heartier texture. I also enjoy adding mix-ins like sunflower seeds, oats, or herbs to the dough for extra flavor. For a touch of sweetness, I mix in a bit of honey instead of sugar. And when I want a soft top crust, I brush the loaves with melted butter right after they come out of the oven.

Storage/reheating

Once cooled, I store the bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I need it to last longer, I freeze the loaves (or individual slices) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, I toast the slices or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. It always tastes freshly baked when I do this.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

I look for it to double in size and pass the “finger poke” test—if I gently press a finger into the dough and the indentation remains, it’s ready.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, I can. I usually skip the proofing step and mix instant yeast directly into the dry ingredients.

Why is my bread too dense?

This usually happens if I add too much flour or don’t knead the dough long enough. I make sure the dough is slightly tacky but not overly sticky.

Can I make this recipe in a stand mixer?

Absolutely. I often use the dough hook attachment on my mixer to knead the dough, which saves time and effort.

Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, I do this often. It gives the bread a slightly different flavor but still turns out delicious.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition. The smell, the texture, the taste—it all brings me back to warm kitchens and comforting memories. It’s a simple joy that’s always worth making from scratch. Whether I’m enjoying a fresh slice with butter or sharing a loaf with someone I love, this bread never fails to bring a smile.