Pennsylvania Dutch Bread
Pennsylvania Dutch Bread offers a hearty, slightly sweet loaf with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, appealing to those who love classic homemade bread flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
- Melt margarine, salt, and sugar in 3 1/2 cups warm water.
- Stir together the melted margarine mixture and yeast mixture.
- Add beaten eggs and stir in yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, making a stiff dough.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in bulk in a large greased bowl.
- Punch down the dough and shape into rolls or a loaf.
- Place in greased pans or Pyrex bowls (casserole).
- Let rise until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
- When baked, rub tops with butter or margarine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. Kneading the dough well will improve its texture, so spend some time on this step. For a fun variation, try adding herbs or spices to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
This Pennsylvania Dutch Bread is delicious on its own or served with butter and jam. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Gaul'S Fasnachts for a festive brunch. For a complete meal, serve it alongside soups or stews, like Back To Bed Stew, for a comforting experience. Enjoy it fresh or toasted for breakfast with coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or wrap in foil and warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Bread contains roughly 217 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 983mg per serving (43% 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
Why did my bread not rise properly?
There are several reasons bread may not rise. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active; check the expiration date. Additionally, the water temperature should be warm but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. If your kitchen is cold, consider letting the dough rise in a warmer area.
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).