Old-Fashioned Potato Bread
Old-Fashioned Potato Bread offers a soft, tender crumb with a subtle potato flavor, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Its rich aroma and golden crust make it a favorite for bread lovers seeking homemade comfort. Ideal for family gatherings or weekend baking adventures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make potatoes for 2 servings, as label directs, using liquid, omitting butter and seasoning.
- Measure 1 cup of prepared potatoes.
- In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water; stir until dissolved.
- Stir in sugar and salt until dissolved.
- Add 1 cup of potatoes, 1/2 cup softened butter, and 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
- With electric mixer at medium speed, beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add 4 cups of flour, mixing with hands until smooth and stiff enough to leave the bowl.
- Add remaining 1/4 cup flour if needed to form a stiff dough.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured board.
- Knead until smooth, with small blisters appearing on the surface, about 10 minutes.
- Place in a greased large bowl; turn over to coat.
- Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place (around 85°F) until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Turn out dough onto lightly floured pastry cloth or board.
- Divide dough in half.
- Roll out one-half into a 16 x 8-inch rectangle; roll up from one end.
- Press ends even, pinch to seal, and tuck under the loaf.
- Place seam side down in a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Brush the surface lightly with some melted butter.
- Repeat with the other half of the dough.
- Let the loaves rise in a warm place until the tops are rounded, about 1 hour.
- Set oven rack at the lowest level and preheat oven to 400°F.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until loaves are deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- If crust becomes too brown, cover with brown paper.
- Turn out onto wire racks and brush tops with remaining butter.
- Cool before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. If you don't have instant mashed potatoes, you can use fresh potatoes, just ensure they're well-mashed and cooled. For a richer bread, substitute half of the butter with olive oil. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Potato Bread is perfect for breakfast with butter and jam, or as a side with soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Fried Peach Pies for a delightful meal. You can also slice it for sandwiches, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover potato bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Potato Bread contains roughly 1537 calories, with 102g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (263% of the Daily Value), protein (204% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser bread. It's best to use a mix of both flours for optimal texture. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose, adjusting based on your preference.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190°F also indicates doneness. If the crust browns too quickly, cover it with brown paper to prevent burning.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese or herbs can enhance the flavor of the bread. Incorporate these additions during the mixing stage, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for the best results.
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).