Easy Soft Bread Recipes

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar in warm water; let stand until bubbles form on surface. Whisk together remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Stir oil into yeast mixture; pour into flour mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1-1/2 to 2 hours., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in half. Shape each into a loaf. Place in 2 greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1-1/2 hours., Bake at 375° until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped or has reached an internal temperature of 200°, 30-35 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Steps:

• Add sugar, warm water, then yeast into mixing bowl. Let yeast prove.
• Add rest of ingredients, kneading while adding flour one or two cups at a time.
• Knead for 5 minutes.
• Let the dough rise for 1 hour, until doubled.
• Knead the dough down.
• Split into two sections.
• Using rolling pin, one at a time flatten each section into a large rectangle (about 17"x 9").
• Roll the dough up to make a long loaf. Pinch the seam closed and turn the ends under.
• Place the two loaves on separate large cookie sheets, seams down (I lay it diagonally), cover with a light dishtowel, and let rise another hour.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.