In-A-Hurry Bread
A quick and easy homemade bread with a soft, tender crumb and golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with butter, suitable for busy weeknights or weekend baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water, yeast, and sugar; let stand for 10 minutes.
- Add salt, vegetable oil, and 5 cups of bread flour; knead, adding up to 1/2 cup more flour if needed.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a slightly warm oven until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half and shape into two loaves; place in greased loaf pans.
- Brush the loaves with melted margarine and bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Remove from pans immediately and let cool slightly before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker rise, place the dough in a warm spot or use a proofing setting if your oven has one. If you don't have bread flour, all-purpose flour can work, but the texture may be slightly different. To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted for different seasonings or toppings, much like those found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter or alongside dishes like Hearty Kidney Bean Stew for a complete meal. This bread also pairs beautifully with soups or salads, making it a versatile addition to any dinner table. For a delicious treat, try serving it with cranberry-cherry punch for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crusty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of In-A-Hurry Bread contains roughly 2392 calories, with 35g protein, 223g carbohydrates, and 155g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (228% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), and protein (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2845mg per serving (124% 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 in place of active dry yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients, skipping the proofing step. However, the dough might rise a bit faster, so keep an eye on it during the rising process.
What should I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, check the temperature of the water used for activating the yeast; it should be very warm, but not hot. Also, ensure that your yeast is fresh. If it's still not rising, try placing the dough in a warmer location or extending the rise time.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding ingredients like shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or spices can enhance the flavor of your bread. Mix these in after the first kneading step, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the dough for the best 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).