Cool Rise Bread
Cool Rise Bread offers a soft, flavorful loaf with a lightly crusted exterior, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoyed plain. Ideal for baking enthusiasts and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add milk, sugar, salt, and margarine. Stir in 2 cups of flour and beat until smooth with mixer.
- Add one cup of flour and beat with wooden spoon until smooth (about 150 strokes).
- Gradually stir in enough flour (2 1/2 to 3 cups) to make a soft dough.
- Knead on floured board until elastic.
- Let rest, covered with towel, for 20 minutes.
- Divide dough into two loaves.
- Wrap in plastic wrap.
- Will rise in refrigerator in 2 to 24 hours.
- Leave out uncovered for 10 minutes before baking at 400°F for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal rise, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated in warm water. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also experiment with adding herbs or spices for a unique twist. If you need a quicker option, you could skip the refrigeration step, but the flavor will be less developed.
Serving Suggestions
Cool Rise Bread makes an excellent base for sandwiches or can be served warm with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with soups and stews, making it a versatile addition to any meal. For a delightful breakfast, serve it alongside Marie'S Sour Cream Bundt Cake for a sweet contrast. You can also toast slices for a crunchy treat.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover Cool Rise Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. This will help retain moisture. For reheating, simply preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the bread for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will revive the crust and make it delightful again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Rise Bread contains roughly 62 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 551mg per serving (24% 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 freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Shape it into loaves, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes before baking.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast or the dough being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you're allowing the dough to rise in a warm environment. You can also try placing it near a warm oven or heating pad to encourage rising.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bread?
To enhance the flavor of your Cool Rise Bread, consider adding ingredients like minced garlic, chopped herbs, or even cheese to the dough. This will give it an aromatic twist. Additionally, you can brush the tops with melted butter or sprinkle with sea salt before baking for extra flavor.
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).