Incredi-Bread!
Incredi-Bread offers a soft, fluffy texture with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Its homemade charm makes it ideal for family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast, water, and a dash of sugar; set aside.
- Mix together hot water and dry milk.
- Combine milk, water, shortening, salt, and sugar. Add 4 cups of flour.
- Beat until smooth.
- Add the dissolved yeast mixture.
- Mix well and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Add 2 more cups of flour; mix well.
- Put the remaining 1 cup of flour on a breadboard and knead until all flour is incorporated.
- Grease a large bowl.
- Put the dough into the bowl and turn to grease the dough.
- Let rise for 20 minutes.
- Punch down the dough.
- Repeat the rising and punching process 2 more times.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture. If you're out of dry milk, substitute with an equal amount of regular milk, adjusting the water accordingly. Allow the dough to rise in a warm area to enhance yeast activity. To prevent sticking, flour your hands and the kneading surface. This bread pairs beautifully with Easy, Never Fail Fruitcake.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Incredi-Bread and serve it warm with butter or jam. It makes a delightful accompaniment to soups and salads, enhancing any meal. Consider pairing it with Quickie Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also use it for sandwiches, making it a versatile addition to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Incredi-Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, restoring its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Incredi-Bread! contains roughly 820 calories, with 24g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2825mg per serving (123% 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 yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dry yeast. Use about 3 times the amount of fresh yeast. Dissolve it in the same amount of water before mixing it with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that fresh yeast may require a shorter rising time.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, check the temperature of your environment. It should be warm but not hot. If the yeast was expired or not activated properly, it may not rise. Adding a bit of sugar can help feed the yeast. Try placing the dough in a warm spot or a slightly warmed oven.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or mixing in shredded cheese before the final kneading. This will create a delicious savory version of the Incredi-Bread, perfect for pairing with soups or as a snack.
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).