Portuguese Bread
Portuguese bread offers a crusty exterior with a soft, airy interior, featuring subtle sweetness and savory notes—perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or alongside meals. Its rich aroma and traditional flavor make it a beloved staple.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the sugar, salt, and shortening into a bowl and add the boiling water.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm.
- Dissolve the yeast in the 1 cup warm water.
- Add the yeast to the sugar-shortening mixture.
- Add 3 cups of flour and beat until smooth.
- Gradually add most of the remaining flour, turning the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, adding any remaining flour as needed.
- Grease a bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it.
- Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
- Punch the dough down and divide it into two halves.
- Shape each half into a round loaf and place into oiled 8-inch round pans.
- Cover again and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about another hour.
- Bake in a 400°F oven until nicely browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute vegetable shortening with unsalted butter or margarine if preferred. Make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. If your kitchen is cool, place the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on to help it rise. This bread is also excellent for making sandwiches or toasting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Portuguese bread warm, slathered with butter or olive oil. It pairs beautifully with soups and stews, making it a perfect side for hearty dishes. For a unique twist, try serving it alongside Mom'S B&B Pickles for a delicious contrast. It also works well as a base for garlic bread or bruschetta.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Portuguese bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, place slices in a toaster or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Bread contains roughly 271 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1388mg per serving (60% 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 active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast in place of instant yeast. Just remember to activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the mixture. This ensures that the yeast is alive and will help your dough rise properly.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has approximately doubled in size. You can test it by gently pressing two fingers into the dough; if the indent remains, it's ready to be punched down. If it springs back, it needs more time to rise.
What can I do with leftover bread?
Leftover Portuguese bread can be made into croutons, breadcrumbs, or even bread pudding. You can also toast slices for breakfast or serve them with spreads. For a delightful treat, try pairing it with a sweet topping like honey or preserves.
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).