Mom'S Homemade Bread
Homemade bread with a soft, airy texture and rich flavor, perfect for everyday meals or special occasions. Easy to make with classic ingredients and comforting aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix lard, hot water, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- When water is lukewarm, add 1 1/2 yeast cakes and let it dissolve.
- Pour in 4 cups of flour and mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is not too wet.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and not sticky.
- Shape the dough into a balloon shape.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and reshape it.
- Place the shaped dough into pans.
- Let the dough rise again until puffy.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is hot but not boiling when mixing with lard, as this helps to melt it properly. If you don't have lard, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. To test the yeast, sprinkle it over warm water and sugar; it should foam within minutes. If it doesn’t, the yeast may be inactive.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade bread pairs beautifully with Macaroni Salad Veronique for a delightful meal. Serve it warm with butter for a comforting side, or use it for sandwiches. It also complements soups and stews, making it a versatile addition to any table.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, slice and pop it in a toaster or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Homemade Bread contains roughly 1166 calories, with 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (15% of the Daily Value), and potassium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2760mg per serving (120% 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 cake yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for cake yeast. Use about 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and dissolve it in the warm water with the sugar before mixing with the other ingredients.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size. You can check this by gently pressing a finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready to be punched down and reshaped.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it may be due to under-kneading or not allowing enough rising time. Make sure to knead until smooth and allow adequate time for both rises. Adjusting flour measurements can also help achieve a lighter 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).