👵🏼 Grandma’s Country White Bread
Ingredients (Makes 2 Loaves):
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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2 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
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2 tbsp sugar or honey
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1 tbsp salt
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2 tbsp vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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6 to 6 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
🥣 Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar (or honey), and yeast.
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Let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy and bubbly.
2. Mix the Dough:
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Add salt, oil, and about 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture.
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Mix until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour ½ cup at a time, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
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Knead by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
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Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaves:
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Punch down the dough and divide into two equal portions.
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Shape each into a loaf and place into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
6. Second Rise:
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Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until dough has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pans.
7. Bake:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
8. Cool:
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Remove from pans and let cool on a wire rack. Brush tops with melted butter for a soft crust (optional but recommended!).
🍯 Tips:
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Want softer bread? Use milk instead of water.
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Want richer flavor? Use half butter and add 1 egg.
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Freezes well: cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Would you like a whole wheat variation, or tips for making this in a bread machine?