The Most Delicious Homemade Yeast Bread

Yield 2 loaves

Author Madeline Bertarelli

Prep time

15 Min

Cook time

30 Min

Total time

45 Min

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The Most Delicious Homemade Yeast Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 3.5 oz sugar or sugar substitute
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 4 Tablespoons olive or avocado oil
• 8 - 11 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Prepare Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. Add the rest of the sugar, salt, oil, and 6 cups of flour. Mix, then gradually add more flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky.
2. Knead: Knead for 4–5 minutes in a mixer
3. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1½ hours, until doubled in size.
4. Shape: Grease two 9” bread pans (I use USA loaf pans that are 9x4 for that perfect shape, but 9x5 standards work too) and divide dough into equal portions in each.
5. Second Rise: Cover and let the dough rise for 45–60 minutes, until it rises about 1 inch above the pans.
6. *Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and slightly pulling away from sides of pan. You want an internal temperature of 190°.
7. Cool and Store: Turn out onto a wire rack, brush tops with butter, and cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.

Notes

*Baking bread at 375 degrees Fahrenheit will generally result in a crispier, browner crust compared to baking at 350 degrees, which will produce a slightly softer crust with a more evenly cooked interior.