Bread Basket
A warm, soft bread basket with a classic yeasty flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or alongside meals, appealing to bread lovers and those seeking homemade comfort foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure warm water into a large warm bowl.
- Sprinkle in yeast; stir until dissolved.
- Add sugar, salt, and margarine.
- Add 3 cups of flour; beat until smooth.
- Add enough additional flour to make a stiff dough.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top.
- Cover; let rise in a warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, as high temperatures may kill the yeast. If you don’t have margarine, you can substitute with butter or olive oil. To test if your yeast is active, let it sit for 5-10 minutes; it should become frothy. Knead sufficiently to develop gluten, which will give your bread a nice texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread warm with butter or alongside hearty soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Festive Jello Salad for a delightful meal. You can also slice it for sandwiches or toast it for breakfast. Consider serving with Elizabeth Clarke's Exceptional Custard Sauce for a unique sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Basket contains roughly 884 calories, with 21g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and potassium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2987mg per serving (130% 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
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without dissolving it in water first. This can save you time and still yield great results.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels light and airy. You can also gently poke the dough with your finger; if the indentation remains, it’s sufficiently risen. If it springs back quickly, it needs more time.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour at once, as this could lead to a dry bread. Kneading the dough well will also help improve its texture.
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).