Dad'S Bread
Dad's Bread yields a hearty, homemade loaf with a soft interior and crispy crust, perfect for family meals and showcasing traditional bread-making techniques.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix yeast, warm water, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a glass. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes until foamy.
- In a large roaster, combine 8 cups water, Crisco, 8 tablespoons sugar, salt, and enough flour to make a thick paste.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, then gradually add more flour until the dough no longer sticks to your hands.
- Knead the dough until smooth, then cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Knead the dough again, then shape into loaves and place in greased loaf pans.
- Let the dough rise in the pans until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Let stand for 20 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour to achieve a better rise and texture. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be a suitable substitute. Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively. Allowing the dough to rise in a warm area will help it double in size more efficiently.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and stews, such as Pot Roast and Onions. Consider spreading some butter on warm slices or pairing it with Onion Pickles for added flavor. It also makes a great base for toast topped with jam or honey.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a sealed bag. To reheat, wrap the slices in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Bread contains roughly 173 calories, with 5g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in this recipe. Simply mix it directly with the flour rather than activating it in water first. This can save time and still yield great results.
What should I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, check your yeast to ensure it's fresh. Additionally, make sure the environment is warm enough; if it's too cold, the yeast may not activate properly. You can create a warm spot by placing the dough in an oven with just the light on.
Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! You can mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor, or incorporate shredded cheese for a cheesy bread. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it may affect the dough's structure.
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).