Grammies' White Bread
A soft, fluffy white bread with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches or toast, ideal for bakers of all skill levels seeking classic homemade bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the quart of warm water.
- Add the sugar, salt, and melted Crisco to the mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough and shape into loaves.
- Place the loaves in greased bread pans and let rise again until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, cool slightly, then remove from pans and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. If you don’t have Crisco, unsalted butter or a neutral oil can be used as substitutes. Kneading the dough thoroughly is crucial for gluten development, making the bread tender and chewy. If you're short on time, you might consider using a bread machine for a more hands-off approach.
Serving Suggestions
This white bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply served with butter. It pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Meatballs(Yields 25 Servings) for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or soup for a complete lunch. For a breakfast option, try it with homemade jams or preserves.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to three months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grammies' White Bread contains roughly 15 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 582mg per serving (25% 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
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without dissolving it first. This may slightly shorten the rising time.
What if my bread doesn't rise?
If your bread doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or insufficient warmth. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and make sure your dough is in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a warm environment by placing the dough in an oven set to the lowest temperature for a few minutes, then turning it off.
How can I tell when my bread is done baking?
The bread is done baking when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) indicates it is fully baked. If you're unsure, using a thermometer can help ensure perfect results.
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).