Bread
Homemade bread brings a warm, comforting aroma to your kitchen. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a soft texture, this bread is ideal for sandwiches or simply slathered with butter. It's a delightful project for bakers of all levels, filling your home with the essence of freshly baked goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add melted butter, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Incorporate 1 to 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour and blend with an electric mixer.
- Gradually add bread flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups), ensuring that the total amount of flour is 5 cups.
- After mixing 3 cups of flour, fold the remaining flour in with a wooden spoon.
- Transfer the dough to a floured board or wax paper and knead.
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, oil the top, and cover with wax paper.
- Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size.
- Divide the risen dough and place it in pans, letting it rise again.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until golden brown and pulling away from the sides.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. If you don’t have RapidRise yeast, you can use active dry yeast but may need to let it rise longer. You can substitute half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Adding herbs or garlic powder can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches and pairs beautifully with Ham Roll-Up or a hearty soup. Serve warm with butter or olive oil for dipping. For a delightful breakfast, toast slices and top with jam or honey. It also complements salads, like a fresh Vegetable Dip, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil. To reheat, simply toast slices or wrap a loaf in foil and warm in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread contains roughly 404 calories, with 5g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 634mg per serving (28% 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
Why is my bread not rising properly?
If your bread isn't rising, the yeast may be expired or the water too hot or cold. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and use water that feels warm to the touch, around 110°F. Additionally, ensure your dough is in a warm, draft-free place during rising.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it will change the texture. For best results, use a mix of whole wheat and bread flour, approximately 50-50, to maintain a good rise and texture. Whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, so you might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
Bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F to 200°F. Keep an eye on it during the last minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
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).