Description
Grandma’s perfect homemade bread whispers nostalgic memories of warm kitchen comfort. Crusty exterior and pillowy interior promise pure satisfaction that connects generations through simple, loving ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- Extra flour for kneading
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a touch of sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and bubbly for 5-10 minutes.
- Create a rich base by combining the activated yeast with melted butter and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Gradually incorporate flour into the liquid mixture, carefully blending until a cohesive dough begins to form.
- Transfer the nascent dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, kneading vigorously for 8-10 minutes to develop gluten and achieve a silky, responsive texture.
- Nestle the dough into a generously greased bowl, drape with a clean cloth, and position in a cozy, draft-free environment to rise and expand for approximately one hour.
- Deflate the risen dough with a gentle punch, then artfully shape it into a smooth loaf configuration.
- Situate the shaped dough into a well-greased loaf pan, cover, and allow for a secondary rising period of 30-45 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C), preparing for the bread’s transformation.
- Bake the risen loaf until it develops a golden, crackling exterior and produces a hollow resonance when tapped, typically 25-30 minutes.
- Allow the freshly baked bread to rest in the pan for a brief 5-minute interlude before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Slice the bread and embellish with butter, honey, or your preferred spread for a delectable finishing touch.
Notes
- Check water temperature carefully, as too hot will kill yeast and too cold prevents activation.
- Invest in high-quality bread flour for better texture and rise, which provides more protein for gluten development.
- Experiment with alternative flours like whole wheat or rye for added nutrition and unique flavor profiles.
- Create dairy-free version by substituting butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1150 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg