Favorite Refrigerator Bread(Heritage Recipe)
A nostalgic homemade bread with tender crumb, subtly sweet and savory flavors, perfect for breakfast or teatime, suitable for family gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix together lukewarm water or potato water, sugar, and salt. Crumble yeast into the mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Add eggs and soft shortening to the mixture and combine.
- Gradually add sifted flour, mixing first with a spoon, then kneading by hand, along with the mashed potatoes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size, then shape into loaves.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water or potato water is lukewarm to activate the yeast effectively. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with about 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or molasses to the mixture. Kneading the dough until smooth is crucial for a good texture.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile bread pairs beautifully with Soup And C. J. Moody'S Cornbread for a comforting meal. Serve it warm with butter or use it for sandwiches. It can also be sliced and toasted for breakfast, topped with jam or avocado. For a delightful dessert, enjoy alongside a slice of Nilla Fruit Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Refrigerator Bread(Heritage Recipe) contains roughly 266 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), potassium (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 609mg per serving (26% 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 without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of silken tofu blended until smooth. This will help bind the ingredients together and maintain moisture in the bread.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works best for this refrigerator bread, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a denser texture. If using whole wheat, consider reducing the amount slightly and adding vital wheat gluten to improve the bread's structure.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F indicates that it is fully baked. If the top browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
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).