Homemade bread standing tall and cut in half. Source: therecipecritic.com
Introduction
There's something extraordinary about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your home. It's a welcoming aroma that brings back cherished memories. Today, I want to share with you my grandmother's perfect bread recipe, a timeless family favorite that will have you ditching store-bought bread forever. Trust me, making bread is easier than you think!
Grandma's Perfect Bread Recipe
The Recipe Critic. Source: therecipecritic.com
I can't contain my excitement as I pass down my grandmother's perfect bread recipe to you. She was a gifted baker, and her bread recipe was unmatched. The warm memories of her slicing up fresh, aromatic bread every time we visited come flooding back. It disappeared as fast as she could serve it, prompting me to make it a must-try for anyone in search of a simple, homemade bread recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a loaf of bread that surpasses any store-bought alternative.
Homemade Bread Ingredients
With these simple ingredients that you likely already have at home, you can whip up this bread quickly and effortlessly. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for precise measurements.
- Warm Water: The temperature should be around 105-115 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful not to make it too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Sugar: A pinch of sugar sweetens up the bread, enhancing its flavor.
- Salt: A little bit of salt goes a long way, bringing out the best in each ingredient.
- Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active and fresh for optimal results.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Oil: I personally use olive oil, but vegetable oil works just as well.
How to Make Homemade Bread
Only six ingredients are needed to create this delectable homemade bread that boasts incredible texture and flavor. While a stand mixer makes the process more convenient, you can also knead the dough by hand. Don't forget to knead the dough between each rise to shape it and remove any air bubbles.
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Make the dough: In a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Allow the yeast to proof for about 5 minutes, until it bubbles. Using the dough hook attachment, gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together and forms a soft consistency.
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Knead the dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, forming a ball. Grease a large bowl with oil, place the dough in the bowl, and cover it. Let it rise for approximately 1-1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
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Form loaves: Grease and flour two 9x5 inch pans. Punch down the dough to release any trapped air. Lay the dough on a flat surface and cut it into two equal parts. Roll each piece into a loaf shape and place them in the prepared pans. Let them rise for another 1-1 1/2 hours, or until they double in size once more.
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Preparation: While the dough rises for the second time, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Bake the dough: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown. Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
The process of making dough in a mixer with active yeast, then mixed together to form a dough. Source: therecipecritic.com
A collage of 6 photos illustrating the process of making homemade bread. Source: therecipecritic.com
Baked bread fresh out of the oven sitting on a cooling rack. Source: therecipecritic.com
Overhead photo of a bread loaf being sliced with a knife. Source: therecipecritic.com
So, why settle for mediocre store-bought bread when you can bake your own homemade masterpiece? Give my grandma's perfect bread recipe a try, and delight your family with the taste of tradition. Trust me, making your own bread is a truly rewarding experience that will leave you craving more.
