Janet'S Bread
A classic homemade bread with a soft, tender crumb and golden crust, perfect for sandwiches, breakfast, or alongside hearty meals, appealing to bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the first five ingredients well: water, sugar, salt, melted butter, and yeast.
- Add flour gradually, mixing well, until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with a towel.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Grease loaf pans.
- Divide the dough into 4 or 5 loaves and place in the pans.
- Brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter or margarine.
- Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and butter the tops of the loaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. If you don’t have cake yeast, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Be sure to proof the yeast in the lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar before adding to the mixture. This recipe can easily be halved if you want to make fewer loaves.
Serving Suggestions
Janet's Bread is delightful when served warm with butter, honey, or jam. It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or alongside a hearty stew. For a sweet treat, try it with a slice of Cheesecake Ice Cream With Blueberry Syrup for dessert. This bread also makes excellent sandwiches or toast for breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Janet'S Bread contains roughly 131 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% 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 make this bread without butter?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegetable oil or a dairy-free margarine to keep it vegan. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
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. An internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C) is also a good indicator that it's fully baked.
Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or even garlic to the dough for added flavor. Just be mindful of the extra moisture these ingredients may add, and adjust the flour 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).