Grandma’s Bread Printable Recipe Card

Directions

• Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Mix in 3 cups of flour and the salt.
• For a stronger, old-fashioned yeast flavor, let this sponge rise for 30–45 minutes. For a milder flavor or quicker preparation, continue to the next step.
• Add the remaining flour about 1 cup at a time until the dough becomes stiff. You may not need all 7 cups.
• Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Lightly coat the bowl and dough with oil or nonstick spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Grease two 9-by-4-inch or 9-by-5-inch loaf pans. Punch down the dough, divide it in half, and shape each half into a loaf. Place in the prepared pans.
• Let rise until the dough is barely domed above the pans, about 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the loaves are nicely browned.
• Remove from the oven and cover with a slightly damp towel for about 15 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges, remove the loaves from the pans, and cool on a rack.