Marjorie'S Bread
Homemade, crusty bread with a tender crumb, perfect for sandwiches or as a side, offering a warm, comforting aroma and classic flavor suited for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Activate yeast in 1 cup warm water with 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir well and let sit for 10 to 12 minutes until foamy.
- Rub 4 cups of flour with 1/2 stick of margarine, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar until well combined. Make a well in the center.
- Add the yeast mixture into the well.
- Stir in a little of the mixture to combine.
- Add 3 1/2 cups warm water and mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough in the pan for 10 to 12 minutes, adding flour underneath and turning as needed.
- Oil the bottom of the pan and turn the dough so it is oiled on all sides.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Turn the risen dough onto a floured board and divide into 4 equal pieces. Shape each into loaves or buns.
- Let the shaped loaves or buns rise until doubled in bulk.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 45 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. You can also experiment with adding herbs or spices to the dough for additional flavor. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually incorporate more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter or alongside a bowl of soup. It pairs beautifully with Bair'S Salad for a light meal or can be used to make sandwiches. Consider serving it with spreads like hummus or garlic butter for a tasty appetizer. For a sweet touch, enjoy it with a drizzle of honey or jam.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marjorie'S Bread contains roughly 517 calories, with 13g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2060mg per serving (90% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser bread. Consider using a mix of both flours for a lighter texture while still incorporating the nutritional benefits of whole grains.
What if my bread doesn't rise?
If your bread doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly by checking for foam after mixing it with warm water and sugar. If your kitchen is too cold, try placing the dough in a warmer area to encourage rising.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done baking when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, the crust should be golden brown. Using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C) for optimal doneness.
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).