Cheese Potato Bread (Italian)
Creamy potato and cheese bread with a soft, airy texture and savory flavor, perfect for brunch or as a comforting snack for cheese lovers and bread enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften compressed yeast in 1/2 cup scalded milk; cool to lukewarm.
- If dry yeast is used, dissolve it in 1/4 cup lukewarm water as directed on the package; decrease the amount of scalded milk to 1/4 cup.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Sift together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Combine potatoes, melted butter or margarine, cheese, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Beat until well combined.
- Blend in yeast-milk mixture and dry ingredients; mix thoroughly.
- Knead on a well-floured board until smooth and satiny, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl and cover.
- Let rise in a warm place (85° to 90°F) until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough by plunging your fist into the center.
- Knead gently on a floured board for about 2 minutes.
- Shape into a long roll and fit into a well-greased 9-inch ring mold. Pinch ends together to seal.
- Let rise in a warm place until light, about 30 minutes.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 25 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your potatoes are fully cooked and mashed smoothly before mixing. You can substitute Gruyere cheese with mozzarella or cheddar if desired. If you're short on time, consider using pre-made pizza dough instead of making your own. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor of this Italian bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cheese potato bread warm, sliced, and accompanied by a side salad or soup for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Stuffed Manicotti(For Two) for a hearty Italian feast. This bread also makes a delightful snack on its own or served with a dip like marinara sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese potato bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Potato Bread (Italian) contains roughly 21 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover mashed potatoes is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just ensure they are well-seasoned and not overly watery, as this can affect the dough's consistency. Adjust the flour quantity if necessary to achieve the right dough texture.
What can I use if I don't have yeast?
If you don't have yeast, you can substitute with baking powder. For every 2 teaspoons of yeast, use 1 teaspoon of baking powder, but remember that the dough won't rise as much. Mix it with the dry ingredients, and add a little extra liquid to compensate for the missing yeast.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean. If you want a crispier crust, bake it a few minutes longer, keeping an eye on the color.
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).