Holiday Sage Bread
A fragrant holiday bread infused with sage and onion flavors, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family meals, with a soft, hearty texture and savory aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald milk with sugar, salt, minced onion, and butter.
- Cool the milk mixture to lukewarm.
- In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast into warm water; stir until dissolved.
- Stir in the cooled milk mixture.
- Add sifted flour and crumbled sage; stir until well blended, then beat with a wooden spoon about 100 strokes.
- Dough will be sticky and heavy.
- Cover with a clean towel; let rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Stir down the dough.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, make sure the milk mixture cools to lukewarm before adding the yeast to avoid killing it. If you don't have sage, try substituting with thyme for a different flavor profile. You can also use whole wheat flour for a heartier bread. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour gradually until manageable.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Sage Bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups or stews, making it an excellent accompaniment to a warm bowl of hominy grits and cheese. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a spread of butter or herb-infused oils. It can also be sliced for sandwiches or enjoyed with a selection of cheeses.
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 and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Sage Bread contains roughly 105 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1785mg per serving (78% 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 fresh sage instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh sage! A good rule of thumb is to use three times the amount of fresh sage as dried, so about 6 teaspoons of fresh sage would work well in this recipe.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh by testing it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the mixture. Additionally, try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.
Can I add other herbs or ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or thyme. You could also add ingredients such as chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. Just remember to adjust the salt content accordingly.
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).