Elevate your home baking game with this "Three Loaves of Bread" recipe, perfect for creating soft, golden, homemade bread that's both versatile and irresistibly delicious. Using simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, yeast, and sugar, this recipe guides you step-by-step through the art of breadmaking. With just 20 minutes of prep time, the dough transforms into three fluffy loaves that are ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm with a smear of butter. Key techniques, such as kneading for the perfect texture and double proofing for optimal rise, ensure bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is your go-to for fail-proof, crowd-pleasing bread.
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar; stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add 3 cups of flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Mix well until smooth using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a soft dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be slightly sticky.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes by hand (or 5-6 minutes using a stand mixer) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a large, greased bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into three equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf by rolling it into a rectangle, then rolling it up tightly.
Grease three 9x5-inch loaf pans and place the shaped dough into the pans. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let the loaves rise again in a warm area for 30-40 minutes until they double in size and the dough rises just above the edge of the pans.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Immediately remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a cooling rack. Optionally, brush the tops with melted butter for a softer crust.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container or bag for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Serving size | 1496.7 grams (1496.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3514 |
Total Fat 71.90g | 92% |
Saturated Fat 16.10g | 81% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.60g | |
Cholesterol 31mg | 10% |
Sodium 4739mg | 206% |
Total Carbohydrate 623.90g | 227% |
Dietary Fiber 23.10g | 83% |
Total Sugars 26.70g | |
Protein 84.30g | 169% |
Vitamin D 7IU | 36% |
Calcium 112mg | 9% |
Iron 37mg | 203% |
Potassium 1030mg | 22% |
Source of Calories