No Fail Homemade Bread
This no-fail homemade bread offers a classic, hearty flavor with a soft, crusty exterior. Perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike, it yields warm, freshly baked loaves suitable for sandwiches or simply enjoyed with butter. Its reliable rise and tender crumb make it a staple for any bread lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scald together milk, sugar, and shortening in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat and add 2 cups water and salt; let cool slightly.
- Mix 1 package dry yeast with 2/3 cup warm milk mixture and let stand until foamy.
- Stir the yeast mixture into the remaining milk mixture.
- Gradually add remaining flour, 2 cups at a time, mixing well.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again.
- Work the dough into rolls or loaves and place in greased pans.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F, then 30 minutes at 350°F until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. If you run out of flour, you can substitute a portion with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading. This bread pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese-Olive Dip Or Spread(Heloise'S Recipe) as a savory accompaniment.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade bread is versatile and can be served warm with butter, jam, or honey. It also makes excellent sandwiches or can be toasted for breakfast. Consider serving it alongside a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert, try pairing it with Emma'S Blueberry Buckle for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in portions. To reheat, wrap slices in aluminum foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or toast individual slices.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Fail Homemade Bread contains roughly 548 calories, with 6g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 939mg per serving (41% 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
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure the milk mixture isn't too hot when you add the yeast – it should be warm but not scalding. Let it sit in a warm, draft-free area, and give it more time. If the yeast remains unresponsive, consider starting over with fresh yeast.
Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to this bread?
Absolutely! You can incorporate herbs, cheese, or even spices into the dough during the mixing stage. Just be mindful of the overall moisture content; adjust the flour slightly if adding wet ingredients. Adding fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, making it a great base for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to soups.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F. If the crust is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent burning.
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).