Old Fashioned Kansas Yeast Bread
Old Fashioned Kansas Yeast Bread offers a hearty, crusty loaf with rich flavor, perfect for family meals or special occasions, showcasing traditional baking techniques and comforting aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast over very warm water in a large bowl and stir until dissolved.
- Heat milk-water mixture, sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Cool to lukewarm.
- Add lukewarm milk mixture to the yeast.
- Stir in 4 cups of flour and beat until very smooth.
- Mix in 3 more cups of flour and turn dough out on a floured board.
- Work in enough of the remaining 1 cup of flour to make a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until satiny and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, then turn greased side up.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Punch dough down and divide in half.
- Cover with a dry cloth and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll each piece into an 18 x 9-inch rectangle.
- Roll up from the short side, jelly roll fashion.
- Press each end to seal, then tuck ends underneath the loaves.
- Place shaped loaves in two greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans, seam sides down.
- Cover with a dry cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
- Bake in a hot oven (400°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, until nicely browned and loaves sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven and ease loaves out of pans.
- Cool upright on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active by testing it in warm water. You can substitute margarine with unsalted butter or a vegan alternative if desired. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, consider adding a touch more sugar or incorporating honey. Knead well to develop gluten, which will help your bread rise nicely. For added flavor, try mixing in herbs or garlic powder.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned Kansas Yeast Bread is delicious served warm with butter or paired with homemade soups and stews. It also makes a fantastic base for sandwiches, especially with hearty fillings. For a sweet treat, serve slices with jam or alongside a slice of Old Timey Jam Cake for dessert. It can also be enjoyed with a side of Nancy'S Barbecue for a delightful meal combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and freeze it, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm the entire loaf in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Kansas Yeast Bread contains roughly 822 calories, with 18g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in place of active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but you can skip the step of dissolving it in water. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot, such as near a preheated oven or a sunny window, to encourage rising.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer; it should read about 190°F for fully baked bread.
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).