Basic Bread
A soft, fluffy homemade bread with a classic flavor profile, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside meals, suitable for bakers of all levels seeking comfort baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the dry yeast in 3/4 cup warm water with sugar, as directed on the package.
- Add the milk, sugar, salt, shortening, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the remaining flour until the dough is easy to handle.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 10 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a dish towel and let it rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your milk is lukewarm and not too hot, which can kill the yeast. If you're out of shortening, melted butter or vegetable oil can be used as substitutes. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it's manageable. Try adding herbs or spices for a twist, or use it as a base for other recipes like Broccoli Parmesan Cheese Bake.
Serving Suggestions
This basic bread is perfect for sandwiches, or served warm with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with soups and salads, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Consider serving it alongside Swiss Vegetables Medley for a complete vegetarian meal, or using it to make French toast for breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or slice and toast to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Bread contains roughly 1066 calories, with 17g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2148mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, check the temperature of your water and milk; they should be warm but not hot. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active—test it by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of sugar before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I make this bread without milk?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with water for a dairy-free option. However, using milk adds richness and flavor to the bread. For a different flavor, you can try using almond milk or oat milk instead.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
Bread is typically done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F indicates fully cooked bread. If you like a crustier bread, bake a few extra minutes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).