Favorite Light Bread
A light, fluffy homemade bread with a soft texture and subtle sweetness, perfect for sandwiches or toast, suitable for family dinners or baking enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Scald (don't boil) the whole milk and water; pour over shortening and salt.
- Cool to lukewarm temperature.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve dry yeast and sugar in lukewarm water.
- Add the yeast mixture to the cooled milk mixture.
- Add 4 cups of flour and beat well.
- Add remaining flour gradually.
- Adjust flour to ensure the mixture is not too sticky; add a little more if needed.
- Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead.
- Divide into 3 large loaves or 5 small loaves.
- Place into loaf pans and let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F until the tops are brown.
- When cool, slice and butter slices.
- Wrap with foil and freeze if desired.
- Reheat when ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly in lukewarm water. If you want to experiment, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added flavor and nutrition. Adjust the amount of flour based on humidity; the dough should be slightly tacky but manageable. A warm kitchen will help the dough rise better.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Pink Fruit Freeze for a delightful brunch. Try toasting slices and spreading butter or your favorite jam for breakfast or a snack. It also makes a great base for garlic bread or a savory bread pudding.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in foil and freeze it. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which will help restore its soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Light Bread contains roughly 261 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 762mg per serving (33% 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
What should I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, ensure your yeast is still active by checking the expiration date. It should foam when mixed with warm water and sugar. Also, make sure your dough is kept in a warm environment, as drafts or cold temperatures can hinder the rising process.
Can I use alternative milks in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly based on the milk you choose, but the bread will still turn out delicious. Just ensure the alternative milk is unsweetened and warm when added to the mixture.
How can I make this bread healthier?
To make this bread healthier, consider reducing the amount of sugar or using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can boost the fiber content. You can also add seeds or nuts to the dough for added nutrition and 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).