Plain Dough
A versatile plain dough perfect for baking bread, rolls, or other baked goods. Its simple ingredients create a soft, flavorful base suitable for various recipes and occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften yeast in warm water or cake yeast in lukewarm water. Add milk, sugar, shortening, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cool until lukewarm.
- Add 1 cup flour; beat well.
- Beat in yeast and egg.
- Gradually add remaining flour to form soft dough, beating well.
- Cover; let stand in warm place until double in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Turn out on floured surface; shape as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
When using active dry yeast, ensure the water is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. For a slightly sweeter dough, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar. To enhance flavor, a teaspoon of vanilla extract can be mixed in, making it ideal for sweet recipes like Pa-Pa'S Blueberry Muffins.
Serving Suggestions
This plain dough can be shaped into rolls, pizza crust, or even used for sweet pastries. It's versatile and pairs wonderfully with various fillings or toppings. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, such as Nutty Carrot Salad, or a hearty soup. For a comforting dessert, use the dough for a fruit cobbler, similar to Hasty Cobbler, for a delightful finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover plain dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last for up to 3 days. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before shaping or baking. If you wish to freeze the dough, it can be kept for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plain Dough contains roughly 1198 calories, with 23g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2562mg per serving (111% 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
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to the yeast being expired or the water being too hot or cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly. If the dough is in a cold environment, find a warmer spot for it to rise. Sometimes, placing it in a turned-off oven with the light on can provide the perfect warmth.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this plain dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to develop further. Just remember to let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.
How can I tell if the dough is ready to shape?
The dough is ready to shape when it has doubled in size and feels soft and elastic. You can perform the 'poke test' by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready. If it springs back, let it rise a bit longer.
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).