Fix-It-Fast Homemade Bread
Warm, fluffy homemade bread with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or as a side, suitable for quick preparation and family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, quick-acting dry yeast, and salt (if not using self-rising flour).
- Add the milk, water, and shortening to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your milk and water are warm but not hot to activate the yeast effectively. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or vegetable oil. Kneading is crucial; if time is tight, consider using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Remember, the dough should be elastic and smooth before rising.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade bread is delightful when served warm with butter or alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Cherry Spice Cake for dessert or can be used to make sandwiches with hearty fillings. Consider serving it with Cottage Cheese Waldorf Salad for a refreshing meal.
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, simply place slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fix-It-Fast Homemade Bread contains roughly 317 calories, with 7g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 656mg per serving (29% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. You might want to use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter loaf. Additionally, adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
What if I don't have quick-acting yeast?
If you only have regular active dry yeast, you can still use it. Just dissolve it in warm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to your dry ingredients to ensure proper activation.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) is also a good indicator of doneness. If you're unsure, using a thermometer can help ensure perfect results.
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).