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–+ servings
Homemade Bread
This handwritten Homemade Bread recipe reflects a practical, mid-20th-century approach to everyday baking, when home kitchens routinely turned out fresh loaves using pantry staples. Written with flexible measurements like “2½ lbs or more of flour,” it shows the baker’s reliance on experience rather than strict precision. Enriched with milk and eggs, the dough produces a soft, tender crumb and a gently sweet flavor that sets it apart from lean farmhouse loaves. The use of simple fats such as corn oil or pan drippings highlights thrift and adaptability, while the long, warm rise allows the yeast to fully develop structure and aroma. The result is a hearty yet comforting bread suited for slicing, toasting, or serving alongside meals.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rising Time 40 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ lb all-purpose flour (about 8–9 cups, plus more as needed)
  • 2 pkg dry yeast (about 4½ tsp)
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups milk (scalded then cooled to lukewarm)
  • 2 to 3 eggs (beaten)
  • 2 tbsp oil ( or melted grease, corn oil or pan drippings)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • Mix flour and dry yeast together in a large bowl.
  • Stir in sugar and salt.

Step 2: Prepare Liquid

  • Scald milk, then allow it to cool until lukewarm.
  • Beat eggs into the milk.

Step 3: Form the Dough

  • Add milk-egg mixture to the flour mixture.
  • Add oil or grease.
  • Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Knead

  • Turn dough onto a floured surface.
  • Knead until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed.

Step 5: First Rise

  • Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.
  • Cover and let rise in a warm place 2–3 hours until doubled.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

  • Punch down dough and shape into loaves.
  • Place in greased pans.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until golden.

Tips

  • Use bread flour for a chewier texture
  • Replace milk with water for a lighter loaf
  • Add melted butter for richer flavor
  • Brush tops with butter after baking
  • Add seeds to the crust for texture
  • Shape into rolls instead of loaves
  • Let cool fully before slicing
  • Freeze sliced bread for easy use

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 90IUCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword classic recipe, comfort food, from scratch, homemade bread, vintage baking, yeast bread
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