Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread: Best Family Recipe Ever!

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked homemade bread wafting through your kitchen. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my grandmother’s secret recipe for the perfect homemade bread. This isn’t just any bread—it’s a family treasure that’s been passed down for generations, and it’s about to become your new go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty soup, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with a slab of butter, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive in and make some memories (and bread) together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy, and perfectly textured—this bread is a crowd-pleaser!
• Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Perfect for beginners or experienced bakers alike.
• Great for quick family dinners or as a special treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread:

• 2 1/2 cups warm water: Activates the yeast and provides the liquid base for the dough.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon yeast: Helps the bread rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
• 5 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure.
• 2 tablespoons oil: Adds moisture and keeps the bread soft (olive oil recommended).

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the process step by step:

1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it bubbles.
2. Using the dough hook attachment, gradually add flour one cup at a time. Mix until the dough forms and becomes soft.
3. On a floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball.
4. Add oil to a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.
5. Punch down the dough to release air. Divide into two portions. Shape each into a loaf and place in greased and floured 9×5-inch pans.
6. Let the loaves rise again until doubled, another 1–1.5 hours.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure your water is warm but not hot—it should feel like a warm bath for the yeast.
• Don’t overmix the dough—it should still look a bit shaggy when you stop mixing.
• Let the dough rise in a draft-free place, like your oven with the light on.

How to Serve

This bread is incredibly versatile. Try serving it alongside your favorite soup, as the base for sandwiches, or even as toast with a little butter or jam. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my recipes for How to Make the Best Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole or How to Make the Best Sausage, Egg, and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole—they pair perfectly with this homemade bread!

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight for a slower rise. Once baked, store the bread at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.

There you have it, Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread recipe! It’s a classic that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!