Gracie'S Easy Homemade Bread
This easy homemade bread features a soft, flavorful crumb with a slightly sweet and buttery taste, perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a side for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup shortening, 2 cups water, and 1 tablespoon salt in the microwave until the shortening is dissolved, then let cool.
- Combine 2 packages of yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 3/4 cup warm water. Let it rise for 10 minutes.
- Mix the cooled mixture with the yeast mixture and an egg.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until the dough reaches the right consistency, using a total of 7 to 8 cups flour.
- Grease a bowl and place the dough inside. Let it rise until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into bread or rolls. Let rise again until doubled.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the bread is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute butter for shortening if preferred, but the texture may vary slightly. Ensure your water is warm but not hot, ideally around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast effectively. If you're short on time, consider making smaller rolls that will bake faster. This bread pairs beautifully with Old-Fashioned Peanut Cookies for a delightful treat.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this homemade bread fresh out of the oven with butter or jam for breakfast. It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to soups and salads. For a delicious twist, consider using slices for sandwiches or toast. Pair it with a warm bowl of soup or a hearty salad for a complete meal. This bread is a great addition to any vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gracie'S Easy Homemade Bread contains roughly 104 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it could be due to too much flour or not allowing it to rise adequately. Make sure to spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly. Additionally, ensure that your yeast is fresh and properly activated for optimal rise.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).