Bread Loaves
Soft, homemade bread loaves with a tender crumb and golden crust, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh with butter. Suitable for beginners and weekend bakers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add very warm water and margarine; stir until well blended, about 1 minute.
- Add 1 1/2 cups flour; stir vigorously for 2 minutes.
- Add additional 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Spray dough with Pam; cover with a bowl. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Punch down the dough; divide into 2 pieces.
- Roll each piece to an 11 x 7-inch rectangle.
- Roll up tightly from the short end, pinch seam to seal, and place seam side down in a sprayed loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Cool on wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier loaf, ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding to the dry ingredients. If you run out of margarine, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Additionally, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor, making it a versatile base for various dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread loaves warm with a spread of butter or your favorite jam for a delightful breakfast. They pair wonderfully with soups or salads, such as the American recipes found in 'Mashed Potato Salad(From 1975 Edition)'. For a fun twist, serve slices with Kim'S Favorite Punch during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled bread loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread Loaves contains roughly 25 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1070mg per serving (47% 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 substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour. However, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with a 50/50 mix and see how the dough feels before adding more whole wheat.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water used to activate it was warm, not hot. If the dough is still not rising, try placing it in a warmer environment, such as an oven preheated to the lowest setting and then turned off.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Absolutely! You can enhance your bread by adding ingredients like herbs, cheese, or nuts to the dough. Just be cautious not to overload it, as too much added weight can affect the dough's ability to rise properly.
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).