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Grandma's Homemade White Bread
5 from 21 votes

Grandma's Homemade White Bread

Grandma's Homemade White Bread is a traditional yeast bread made with a combination of warm water, milk, sugar, and butter for richness. The dough is carefully proofed to develop a soft crumb and light texture. The recipe emphasizes proper flour measurement and temperature control to ensure the bread rises well and avoids dryness. A lightly sweetened, creamy loaf that is versatile for everyday use.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Rise Time, divided
1 hr 40 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 50 mins
Servings: 16
Calories: 283 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Breakfast, Appetizer, Lunch, Brunch
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 packets active dry yeast
  • 8-9 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk warm
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 4 ½ tablespoons butter plus extra for greasing and finish, melted, cooled
  • 1 ½ cups water warm, around 105 degrees
  • 1 large egg scrambled

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar and water. Sprinkle yeast over top of the mixture and allow it to sit for 10 minutes and foamy. 
  2. The yeast puffs up and covers the surface of the water. If your yeast doesn't foam up within ten minutes you might need to use slightly cooler water or get some fresh yeast.
  3. My grandmother always said that as a general rule run tap water on top of the underside of your wrist or forearm until you can just tolerate the heat. That is when you grab your large measuring cup, whatever heat resistant bowl you are using and add your water, sugar and then yeast.
  4. Stir in 2 ¾ cups of the flour until incorporated. Cover with a warm damp cloth and place in a warm area for 45 minutes.  My grandmother always left the bread in front of the window with the sun shining on it. This bread needs to rise in a warm area or it will not rise properly.
  5. Stir in milk, remaining sugar, salt and butter until combined.
  6. Stir in 5 to 6 cups of the remaining flour, enough to make a soft sticky dough. 
  7. Dump the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 10 to 15 minutes incorporating as much flour as necessary to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
  8. Form it into a ball and put it into a well buttered bowl. Coat the dough with butter also. Cover again with a warm, damp towel and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, back in a warm place, until it is double its original size. 
  9. Punch down the center of the dough. Separate dough into two pieces and form into 2 loaves. Put each into a buttered loaf pan. Cover with the warm, damp towel again and let them rise again, covered, for 30 to 45 minutes until they almost double in size again. 
  10. Scramble the egg and paint on top of both loaves before placing inside the oven.
  11. Bake in the middle of a preheated 425 degree oven for 5 minutes. Lower the heat to 375 degrees and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden. Brush butter on top when it’s out of the oven and partially cooled and everyone will thank you. Turn onto a rack to cool.
  12. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling with a knife to avoid adding excess flour, which can dry out the dough.
  • If possible, weigh flour for accuracy; about 140 grams per cup is standard.
  • Ensure yeast is fresh and proofed in water of tolerable warmth (around forearm temperature) for proper activation.
  • Keep dough in a warm, draft-free place to rise adequately, such as near a sunny window.
  • If dough feels too dry or doesn't rise well, consider adjusting water or milk amounts slightly to improve hydration and fermentation.

Nutrition Information

Calories 283kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 51g (17%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g (3%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Trans Fat 0.1g (5%) Cholesterol 23mg (8%) Sodium 912mg (38%) Potassium 108mg (2%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 152IU (3%) Vitamin C 0.001mg (0%) Calcium 41mg (4%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 283

% Daily Value*

Calories 283kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 51g 17%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 912mg 38%
Potassium 108mg 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 152IU 3%
Vitamin C 0.001mg 0%
Calcium 41mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.