Grandmother'S White Bread
A classic homemade white bread with a soft crumb and golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast, suited for bread lovers and bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast into very warm water; stir in 1/2 teaspoon of the sugar and let double in volume.
- Combine remaining sugar, milk, margarine, and salt; heat just until margarine melts.
- Pour the milk mixture into a large bowl and let cool to lukewarm.
- Stir in the activated yeast.
- Gradually stir in enough flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn to grease the top, and cover.
- Set in a warm, draft-free place to rise until doubled in bulk.
- Punch down the dough.
- Knead a few times, then cut in half.
- Let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Shape into 2 loaves and place in 2 greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch pans.
- Cover and let rise again.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes or until loaves are lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a successful rise, make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If you don't have unbleached flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the texture may vary slightly. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or spices into the dough. Remember to knead the dough thoroughly for a soft, fluffy bread.
Serving Suggestions
This Grandmother's White Bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Emily's Fudge for a sweet treat. Consider serving it with homemade jams, butter, or alongside a hearty stew for a satisfying meal. For a delightful breakfast, top slices with avocado or poached eggs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S White Bread contains roughly 532 calories, with 12g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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. Simply mix it directly into the dry ingredients without needing to activate it in warm water first. This can save you some time in the preparation process.
What should I do if my bread doesn't rise?
If your bread doesn't rise, it could be due to expired yeast or a cold environment. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that you're allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place. If you've already tried this, you might consider using a warm oven with the light on as a rising spot.
How can I achieve a crustier bread?
For a crustier bread, you can place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking. This creates steam, which helps develop a nice crust. Additionally, baking the bread on a pizza stone can also enhance the crust's texture.
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).