Delicious Rye Bread
Delicious rye bread with rich, sweet flavors from honey, molasses, and brown sugar. Its hearty texture makes it perfect for toast or sandwiches, appealing to bread lovers seeking a wholesome, flavorful loaf. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack with butter or preserves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water with the sugar and let stand until thoroughly dissolved.
- Add syrup, honey, brown sugar, molasses, rye flour, shortening, and salt to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour in warm water and stir until well mixed.
- Add enough white flour to make a soft dough.
- Pour the dough onto a pastry sheet and knead until the dough is still sticky when touched, but not too stiff.
- Place the kneaded dough in a large greased mixing bowl and cover.
- Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 5 or 6 balls, shaping each into a round loaf.
- Let the shaped dough stand for 10 minutes.
- Shape into loaves and place in well-greased pans.
- Let the loaves rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool on cake racks.
- This recipe makes 5 or 6 loaves, depending on size of pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding caraway seeds to the dough. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter or coconut oil can be used as a substitute. Ensure the water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. If you prefer a slightly denser loaf, use a mix of whole rye flour and white flour. This recipe is versatile, allowing for variations like adding seeds or nuts.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious rye bread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or a hearty salad. It can also be served alongside spreads like butter, cream cheese, or your favorite jam. For a delightful twist, try using it for sandwiches filled with Easy Seasoned Beef or your choice of protein. Enjoy it fresh or toasted for breakfast with a side of Very Good Tea.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the loaves. To reheat, simply toast slices or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Rye Bread contains roughly 992 calories, with 18g protein, 220g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value) and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1419mg per serving (62% 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 cakes yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of cake yeast. Use about 1/4 of the amount specified for cake yeast. There's no need to dissolve it in water; you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients for convenience.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1 to 2 hours in a warm environment. To test, gently press your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it has risen sufficiently.
What can I do if my loaves are too dense?
If your loaves turn out too dense, it could be due to over-kneading or not enough rising time. Ensure you knead just until smooth and let the dough rise until it has doubled. If you prefer a lighter texture, consider incorporating more white flour.
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).