Easy Light Bread
A light, fluffy homemade bread with a subtly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. Easy to make and complements a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixer bowl, combine boiling water, sugar, solid shortening, and salt; cool to lukewarm.
- Dissolve yeast in warm water (110-115°F) with 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Add yeast mixture and beaten egg to the cooled mixture, then add 2 cups of flour; beat well.
- Stir in remaining flour until combined and dough becomes manageable.
- Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough; shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Let rise again in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if top browns too fast during last 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If you don't have solid shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. Use bread flour for a chewier crust. If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour during kneading until manageable. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or garlic powder into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Libby'S Squash Casserole or can be toasted and topped with butter and jam for breakfast. For a hearty meal, try it alongside a rich pasta dish or use it to soak up delicious sauces.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it stays soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Light Bread contains roughly 1426 calories, with 31g protein, 287g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
Why did my bread not rise properly?
Bread may not rise if the yeast is expired or if the water temperature was too hot, killing the yeast. Always check the yeast's expiration date and use a thermometer to ensure the water is within the recommended temperature range of 110-115°F.
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, you can make this bread without eggs by using a flaxseed or chia seed substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the dough while keeping it egg-free.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, while kneading. Be careful not to add too much flour at once, as this could make the bread dense. A slightly tacky dough is ideal for a light bread 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).