Sandwich Bread Recipe

Homesteading can start in many forms. One of the ways that it started in my life was learning to cook from scratch and knowing the ingredients that was in my food. The first thing that I tried was homemade bread. It seemed like one of the easiest tasks and rewarding as well. Having your home smell of fresh bread, well, there's really nothing quite like it. I've tried several different recipes over the years but this one that I am about to give you is my tried and true recipe. It has never failed me and always brings out a great product even through the learning curve. So even though the thought of making your own bread can be scary. I'm here to tell you that you can do it!

Here's the Recipe:

Ingredients:  2 pkg of yeast (5 teaspoons)

4 Cups lukewarm water

1/2 cup sugar or honey

1/4 cup cooking oil or butter

1 T. salt

Approximately 9-10 cups of flour. (All purpose is just fine)

This recipe yields four loaves of bread. Once bread has cooled you can easily package and put in the freeze for up to three months.

1. Okay, So the first step is to dissolve the yeast in your warm water in a large bowl. Once it is dissolved, you then add and mix your sugar, oil, and salt. Let this sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Allowing the yeast to bloom.
2. After the five minutes is done your yeast should be bubbly and active. This is what we called bloomed. Then begin to add and stir one cup of flour at a time until a soft and easy to handle dough begins to form.
3. Lightly flour your countertops and knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes or if you are using a dough mixer about turn on and knead about 8 to 10 minutes. Or until the dough is smooth and elastic.  Once you have the dough like you want it, form your dough into a ball. In an oiled large bowl set the dough ball inside the bowl and cover with a towel. Place in a warm spot and allow to rise until double in size. Times will vary due to different environments. Usually 1 to 2 hours for this. 
4. Once yours dough has doubled in size, punch down and then allow your dough to "fall" in the bowl. Oil your four loaf pans. Lightly flour your surface once again and take your dough ball out of the bowl and cut in half. Take one of the halves and then cut in half again. Repeat with the other half. You should have four pieces of the dough now. You want these pieces has equally to each other as best you can. This will help in the baking process because your bread will not be different sizes. Now begin to shape your loaves. Take one of the four pieces of dough and begin to fold and shape into a loaf. Drop it down on your countertop to be sure to get all of the air bubbles out. (That's the fun part!) Repeat with each remaining dough piece. After you are done shaping each piece set them in the oiled loaf pan. Take a fork and poke a few holes in the top as well. This also keeps air bubbles out and holes forming inside the bread.
5. Cover the loaf pans and allow the bread to rise once again for 1 hour. 
6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
7. Once your loaves of risen for one hour,  bake for 30 minutes.
8. About half way through the baking, take some aluminum foil and cover each of the loaves to help from the top getting done before the rest of the bread. (This is optional but definitely recommended) 
9. Take your bread out of the oven and out of the loaf pans (Careful very hot) and set on a cooling rack. 
10. Hardest part, if you want the bread to last about a week you want the bread to cool off completely before you cut into it. Once you cut into it while it is still hot, it's delicious, but will only last you a couple days before drying out. 
11. Once your bread is cooled your ready to go! Store in a airtight bag or container and enjoy your fresh homemade bread all week long!! Or enjoy it hot! You've worked hard! You've earned it!

Thank you guys for trying this recipe! If you want more details you can check out my youtube tutorial: