Jack Baird'S Bread
A hearty homemade bread with a slightly sweet and savory flavor, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, suited for bread lovers seeking a classic, comforting loaf.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, and lukewarm water. Let proof for 10 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and bacon drippings. Stir in enough flour until mixture forms a ball.
- Lightly knead in more flour if needed to make a soft dough.
- Leave in the bowl and lightly coat the top with oil or melted butter. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Divide dough into 2 parts without kneading.
- Shape into loaves and place in 2 greased loaf pans.
- Let rise until nearly doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using melted butter instead of bacon drippings. If you don't have bacon drippings, olive oil can be a good substitute. Make sure your water is lukewarm, as too hot can kill the yeast. For a soft crust, brush the loaves with butter immediately after baking. You can also experiment with adding herbs or cheese for different flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a side with soups and stews, particularly with hearty dishes like Stukas' Meat Loaf. Serve it warm with butter or use it to soak up sauces from dishes like Spicy Six Bean Casserole. A slice with jam makes for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. This will help retain moisture. The bread can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jack Baird'S Bread contains roughly 1297 calories, with 47g protein, 265g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (95% of the Daily Value), iron (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing. However, keep in mind that the rising time may be slightly shorter, so monitor the dough closely during the rise.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C). This ensures that the bread is fully cooked inside.
Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese?
Absolutely! You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even shredded cheese to the dough for added flavor. Just be sure not to add too much, as it can affect the bread's structure. Fold in your desired ingredients during the mixing stage.
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).