Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread: Soft, Golden, and Made with Love

When I want to fill my kitchen with the smell of something warm, comforting, and timeless, I bake Grandma’s perfect homemade bread. This recipe is soft, golden, and absolutely reliable—it’s the kind of loaf I can count on every single time. Whether I’m making toast, sandwiches, or just enjoying a warm slice with butter, it always feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and foolproof this bread is. It uses basic ingredients I already have in my pantry, and it doesn’t require any fancy techniques. The texture is soft but sturdy, with a tender crumb and a golden crust that’s just the right thickness. It reminds me of the bread my grandma used to pull out of the oven—fresh, warm, and always made with love.

Ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour or bread flour

• Warm water

• Active dry yeast

• Granulated sugar

• Salt

• Vegetable oil or melted butter

Directions

1. I start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, I combine the flour and salt, then pour in the yeast mixture and oil.

3. I stir until a soft dough forms, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

4. I place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

5. I punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

6. I let it rise again for about 30–40 minutes until it crowns over the top of the pan.

7. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.

8. I let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 standard loaf (about 12 slices). It takes 2.5 to 3 hours total, including rise times—10 minutes to prep, 1.5 to 2 hours to rise, and about 30 minutes to bake.

Variations

• I sometimes add a tablespoon of honey for a slightly sweeter loaf.

• Swapping in whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose adds a hearty flavor.

• A handful of oats or seeds sprinkled on top before baking adds great texture.

• For a richer version, I use melted butter instead of oil and brush more on top after baking.

Storage/reheating

I store the bread in a bread box or sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I slice and freeze the loaf, then toast or warm slices as needed. I never refrigerate it—it dries out faster that way.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, I just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. The rise time is usually a bit quicker, too.

Why didn’t my bread rise?

I make sure my yeast is fresh and the water is warm (not hot). A warm environment (like an oven with the light on) also helps during rising.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I often double it to make two loaves—one to enjoy now and one to freeze for later.

How do I get a softer crust?

I brush the top with melted butter right after baking and cover the loaf loosely with a kitchen towel while it cools.

Can I make this dough in a mixer?

Yes, I knead it with the dough hook on medium speed for about 6–8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Conclusion

Grandma’s perfect homemade bread is one of those timeless recipes I never get tired of baking. It’s warm, reliable, and always brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia to my kitchen. Whether I’m making it for a special occasion or just an ordinary day, this bread makes everything feel a little more special.

Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread: Soft, Golden, and Made with Love

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: ~3 hours
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
• Category: Bread, Homemade
• Method: Baking, Yeast-Raised
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread is a soft, golden, and reliable loaf that fills your kitchen with nostalgic warmth. Made with pantry staples and simple steps, this timeless recipe creates the ideal sandwich bread or toast-ready slice with a tender crumb and beautiful golden crust—just like Grandma used to bake.

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Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and oil. Stir until dough forms.

3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled.

5. Punch down dough. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

6. Let rise again for 30–40 minutes until it crowns above the pan.

7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 30–35 minutes, until golden and sounds hollow when tapped.

8. Cool on a wire rack before slicing. Brush with butter if desired.

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Notes

• Add 1 tbsp honey for sweetness.
• Use 50% whole wheat flour for a hearty variation.
• Sprinkle oats or seeds on top before baking for texture.
• For a softer crust, brush with butter and cover while cooling.
• Dough can be kneaded with a stand mixer using a dough hook.