Milk Bread
Soft, fluffy milk bread with a subtly sweet flavor and tender crumb, perfect for sandwiches or toast, appealing to bread lovers seeking homemade comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat milk and shortening; cool.
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Stir in 1/4 cup sugar from measurement.
- Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add remaining sugar, salt, flour, mashed potatoes, and cooled milk to yeast mixture.
- Blend all ingredients together until a stiff dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl and cover with a cloth.
- Let rise until doubled in size.
- Punch dough down and shape into loaves or rolls.
- Place in oiled pans in a warm place and let rise until full.
- Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding an egg or two to the dough. You can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. If you don't have instant mashed potatoes, real mashed potatoes can be used, but ensure they're not too wet. For a touch of sweetness, try adding a bit of honey or maple syrup to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This milk bread is delightful fresh out of the oven, served warm with butter or jam. It also pairs beautifully with soup or salad for a comforting meal. For a fun twist, try using it for a sandwich with your favorite fillings or toast it for breakfast alongside Sugarless Fruit Nut Muffins.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover milk bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and toast, or warm in an oven set to 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Milk Bread contains roughly 409 calories, with 9g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (28% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 931mg per serving (40% 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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just be sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the mixture. Allow it to sit until it becomes foamy, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, typically taking about 1 to 2 hours. You can test it by gently pressing two fingers into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready to be punched down.
What can I do if my bread comes out dense?
If your bread is dense, it may be due to over-kneading or using too much flour. Ensure you measure your flour correctly and knead just until smooth. You can also try letting it rise longer for better texture.
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).