Great Grandma'S Potato Bread
A hearty homemade potato bread with tender texture and subtle potato flavor, perfect for family meals or special gatherings, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl.
- Stir in eggs, potato water, mashed potatoes, sugar, salt, and shortening.
- Add 5 cups of flour and beat thoroughly.
- Mix in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Put dough in a greased bowl, turn greased side up, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide into loaves or rolls.
- Place in 2 to 3 greased loaf pans or on a greased cookie sheet for rolls.
- Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for about 30 minutes.
- Remove from pans and brush tops with butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use butter instead of shortening. If you don't have potato water, simply use additional lukewarm water. To ensure the yeast is active, make sure the water temperature is just right; too hot can kill the yeast. Knead the dough thoroughly for the best texture, and remember that humidity can affect how much flour you need.
Serving Suggestions
This potato bread pairs beautifully with Kielbasa, Onion And Potato Scallop or can be enjoyed with butter and jam for breakfast. It also makes excellent sandwiches or toast. Serve alongside a hearty soup or stew for a comforting meal. For a sweet twist, try it with baked apple slices or as a base for your favorite spreads.
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 thaw and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Grandma'S Potato Bread contains roughly 1580 calories, with 15g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), potassium (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2761mg per serving (120% 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 active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply reduce the amount to about 1.5 teaspoons and add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing it in water first. This can save time and still yield a delicious result.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their starch content, which helps create a fluffy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they may not yield the same light and airy bread.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; it should read around 190°F when fully baked. Allow it to cool before slicing for the best 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).