Old Fashioned Light Bread
Old Fashioned Light Bread offers a soft, airy texture with a classic flavor profile, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Its lightly sweet and buttery notes make it a versatile choice for everyday meals or special occasions, appealing to bread lovers seeking a homemade touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixer bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and dry yeast.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, shortening, sugar, and salt just until warm and shortening is almost melted; stir constantly.
- Add the warm mixture to the flour and yeast mixture.
- Beat at low speed for 1/2 minute, scraping sides of the bowl.
- Beat 3 minutes at high speed.
- Gradually stir in as much remaining flour as you can mix with a spoon to form a dough.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff, smooth, and elastic dough.
- Shape into a ball.
- Place in a lightly greased bowl at least twice the size of the dough.
- Turn the dough over once to grease the surface.
- Cover with a slightly damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your milk mixture is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter or margarine. For a richer flavor, consider adding an egg to the dough. Remember to knead until smooth and elastic, which is key for a good rise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Old Fashioned Light Bread warm with butter for a delicious treat. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or even alongside breakfast dishes. For a sweet twist, try serving it with jam or honey. You might also enjoy it with a slice of Merk'S Coffee Cake for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Light Bread contains roughly 1916 calories, with 31g protein, 226g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2074mg 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 some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but start with half and gradually increase for better texture. Whole wheat flour may require additional liquid, so adjust the milk accordingly to maintain the dough's consistency.
What if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and the milk mixture is warm enough to activate it. If the dough is too cold, try placing it in a warmer location, or place it in the oven with just the light on for a gentle warmth.
How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?
To check if your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Additionally, an internal temperature of around 190°F indicates doneness. Keep an eye on the crust color—golden brown is a good sign, but avoid over-baking to prevent dryness.
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).