Go Back
Homemade yeast sandwich bread loaf with soft crumb and golden crust

Simple Homemade Yeast Bread

A soft, simple homemade yeast bread made with basic pantry ingredients. This everyday loaf is perfect for sandwiches, toast, and keeping on the table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves
Course: bread
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour plus up to 1 additional cup as needed
  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups warm water about 105–110°F
  • 1/4 cup oil or fat melted lard, olive oil, or melted butter

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture looks foamy and active.
  2. Add the salt and oil to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  3. Begin adding the flour, starting with 4 cups. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add additional flour a little at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still soft.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto the counter. Divid into two/ push down slightly into rectangle shape, fold and pinch seams. Place seam side down into two greased 9x5 loaf pans.
  7. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until the dough has risen just above the rim of the pan.
  8. Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

This is a simple everyday bread. You can brush the top with butter after baking for a softer crust. That's enough.