Old-Fashioned Yeast Bread
Old-Fashioned Yeast Bread delivers a classic, hearty flavor with a soft, chewy texture, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering warm comfort with every slice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry yeast with sugar in warm water and let stand until bubbly.
- Scald milk; cool to room temperature, then add salt, vegetable oil, and 3 cups of flour.
- Beat well until smooth.
- Add yeast mixture and unbleached flour; mix well.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, at least 10 to 15 minutes.
- Place dough into a large greased bowl, turning to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place (80°F) until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Punch down dough, turn and let rise a second time for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board, divide into 2 sections, and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Shape into 2 loaves and place into greased loaf pans, then cover.
- Let rise again until doubled in size and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 50 minutes.
- Remove from pans and butter the crust for softness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of just scalded milk. If you don’t have dry yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast, but make sure to activate it in warm water first. Ensure your flour is unbleached for the best texture. Kneading the dough well is crucial for gluten development, yielding a fluffier loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This Old-Fashioned Yeast Bread is perfect for toast or sandwiches. Serve it warm with butter and jam for breakfast, or pair it with soups and salads for lunch. It also complements hearty meals like Green Chili Cheese Rice Casserole. For a sweet treat, enjoy it with a slice of Nutritious Cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and place it in a freezer bag, where it can last up to three months. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm them in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Yeast Bread contains roughly 514 calories, with 20g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. The texture will be denser, but it will still be delicious.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or an environment that is too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot, such as near a heater or in an oven set to the lowest temperature. If the dough is still not rising, it may need to be discarded.
Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs, garlic powder, or cheese to the dough before the final rise. Just be mindful of the moisture content of additional ingredients, as too much can affect the bread's structure.
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).