Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (110–115°F)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast (or 2 packets)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water.
- Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a loaf and place into two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Let rise for another 30 minutes until dough rises slightly above the pans.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, until tops are golden and sound hollow when tapped.
- Let cool in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add honey or herbs for flavor variation.
- Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Sprinkle oats or sesame seeds on top before baking for texture.
- Brush loaves with melted butter after baking to soften the crust.
- Use a stand mixer with dough hook to knead more easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
