Depression Bread
Depression Bread is a simple, hearty homemade bread with a soft texture and golden crust, perfect for comforting meals or quick baking during challenging times.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Completely dissolve yeast in warm water; mix in remaining ingredients.
- Allow the dough to rise to twice its size.
- Punch down the dough, pinch into roll-sized pieces, and place in a greased pan.
- Allow the rolls to rise to twice their size.
- Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and brush tops with butter.
- May need to bake longer if not fully cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. If you don’t have quick rise yeast, you can use active dry yeast but may need to allow for a longer rising time. You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread. Adding herbs or garlic powder can enhance flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are perfect for any meal, especially when served alongside soups like Jack'S Vegetable Soup or with a spread of Canned Apple Relish. They can be sliced and used for sandwiches or served warm with butter as a side for hearty dishes. Consider pairing them with Grandma Small'S Salad Dressing Cake for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Depression Bread contains roughly 42 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 878mg per serving (38% 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 make this bread recipe without sugar?
Yes, you can omit the sugar, though it helps activate the yeast and adds a bit of flavor. If you want to substitute, consider using honey or agave syrup in a smaller amount, as they are sweeter than granulated sugar.
What if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, check the yeast's expiration date and ensure your water temperature was correct. Yeast needs warmth to activate; try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near a preheated oven, to encourage rising.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! You can fold in shredded cheese, herbs, or spices to the dough for added flavor. Just be mindful of the consistency; too many additions might require adjusting the flour to maintain the dough's texture.
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).