Bread-In-A-Bag*(Makes 1 Loaf)
A quick and easy homemade bread with whole wheat flavor, perfect for beginners and versatile enough for sandwiches or toast, with a soft and hearty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, undissolved yeast, sugar, dry milk, and salt in a 1-gallon heavy-duty zipper lock freezer bag. Squeeze out air and seal.
- Shake and work the bag with fingers to blend the ingredients.
- Add hot water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients in the bag.
- Reseal the bag and work the mixture with fingers to mix thoroughly.
- Add the whole wheat flour, reseal the bag, and mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add enough remaining all-purpose flour to make a stiff dough that pulls away from the bag.
- Remove the dough from the bag and place it on a floured surface.
- Knead the dough for 2 to 4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter loaf, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute honey for sugar for a natural sweetness. If you don’t have quick-rising yeast, regular yeast can be used, but allow longer rising times. Ensure the water is hot enough to activate the yeast, but not boiling to avoid killing it.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side with soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Delectable Date Drops for a sweet treat after your meal. For a heartier dish, serve it alongside Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with butter or jam.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm the loaf in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread-In-A-Bag*(Makes 1 Loaf) contains roughly 1364 calories, with 48g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (96% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture and density of the bread. Start by substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat and adjust as needed for the best results.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size, which typically takes about 1 hour in a warm place. You can also do the 'poke test'—if the indentation remains, the dough is ready to be shaped.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the bread?
You can add herbs, garlic powder, or cheese for extra flavor. For a sweeter option, consider mixing in dried fruits or nuts. These additions can make the bread a delightful complement to various dishes.
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).