Four-Hour Bread
A hearty homemade bread with tender mashed potatoes and a subtle sweetness, perfect for comfort-food lovers and suitable for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour hot potato water over flour and sugar.
- Add mashed potatoes and allow to cool.
- Add yeast to the mixture.
- Make a sponge by combining the ingredients.
- Beat the mixture for 5 minutes, then let it rise.
- Add lard and salt to the risen sponge.
- Stiffen up the dough and knead for at least 20 minutes.
- Let the dough rise and then knead it down.
- Let it rise again.
- Shape into loaves or light cakes.
- Let the shaped dough rise again.
- Bake until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use freshly mashed potatoes without added butter or milk. If you don't have lard, unsalted butter or vegetable oil can be substituted. Ensure the potato water is warm but not hot when mixing, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Allow adequate rising time for a fluffy texture, and consider using a stand mixer for kneading if you prefer less manual effort.
Serving Suggestions
This Four-Hour Bread is delightful fresh from the oven and can be served with butter or alongside soups and stews. It also pairs beautifully with the Sweet And Sour Pasta Salad for a hearty meal. For a sweet touch, serve with a warm slice of Cherry Or Apple Crisp(Quick!) for dessert or enjoy as a base for sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crusty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four-Hour Bread contains roughly 293 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 596mg 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 use instant yeast instead of cake yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for cake yeast. Use about 1/4 of the amount, approximately 1 teaspoon, and mix it directly into the dry ingredients without needing to activate in water. This method will save you time and still yield great results.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, check the temperature of your ingredients and environment. Yeast thrives in warm conditions, so ensure your workspace is warm enough. If the yeast is old or inactive, it may not work properly. Consider adding a pinch of sugar to help feed the yeast and boost its activity.
Can I add herbs or spices to this bread?
Absolutely! Adding dried herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor of your bread. You can also incorporate spices such as garlic powder or onion powder for a savory twist. Just be sure to balance the quantities to keep the dough from becoming overly dense.
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).