Happiness Is A Warm Loaf Of Homemade Bread
Enjoy warm, homemade bread with a soft, fluffy texture and a subtly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a comforting side for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Combine water, milk, and margarine in a saucepan; heat over low heat until liquids are warm.
- Gradually add the warm liquids to the dry ingredients and beat for 2 minutes at medium speed, scraping the bowl occasionally.
- Add 3/4 cup of flour to make a thick batter.
- Beat at high speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally.
- Stir in enough additional flour to make a stiff dough, about 3 1/2 cups.
- Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead until elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
- Shape into desired size loaves, cover, and let rise again in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Bake in a hot oven at 450°F (230°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cool before slicing or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the water with beer or adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients. If you don't have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast without proofing. Always check the expiration date on your yeast for the best rise. If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually until it reaches the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade bread pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of soup or can be enjoyed with butter and jam for breakfast. For a savory pairing, serve it alongside an Artichoke-Cheese Spread for a delightful appetizer. Toasted slices can also be topped with avocado or used for sandwiches, enhancing any meal with its fresh flavor and warm texture.
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 plastic wrap and freeze it. To reheat, simply place the loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Slicing before freezing makes it easier to grab a piece as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Happiness Is A Warm Loaf Of Homemade Bread contains roughly 550 calories, with 7g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1223mg per serving (53% 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. It's best to use a mix of both to maintain a light texture. If using only whole wheat flour, you might need to add a bit more liquid to the dough to achieve the right consistency.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure the water and milk are warm, not hot, before adding the yeast, as high temperatures can kill it. If using older yeast, always proof it first by mixing it with warm water and sugar to check if it foams.
Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, you can use a bread machine for this recipe. Simply add the ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine manufacturer, usually liquids first, followed by dry ingredients. Select the basic bread setting and enjoy a hands-free baking experience.
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).