Pull Bread

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

Pull bread offers a unique, flaky texture with a slightly chewy crust, perfect for breakfast or snacks. Its homemade quality suits bread enthusiasts seeking a rustic treat.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pkg. dry yeast
  • 2 c. water (lukewarm)
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 c. shortening
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • approximately 10 c. flour

Instructions

  1. Mix the dry yeast, lukewarm water, and sugar; let it sit until frothy.
  2. Add shortening and salt to the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add flour, working into a stiff dough.
  4. Let the dough rise twice in a warm place.
  5. Work the dough down after the first rise.
  6. Roll the dough on a floured board like biscuits.
  7. Cut the dough with a biscuit cutter and pull each biscuit thin.
  8. Press the biscuits standing up together in a loaf pan.
  9. Let the dough rise again until it is twice in bulk.
  10. Bake in a 325°F oven until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you don’t have dry yeast, you can use active dry yeast by activating it with warm water first. Ensure your water is lukewarm, as too hot can kill the yeast. Knead the dough well for a better texture, and don’t skip the rising times to achieve a light, airy pull bread.

Serving Suggestions

Pull bread is delightful served warm with butter or as a side to hearty dishes like Chicago Style Italian Beef. It can also be enjoyed with soups or stews. For a sweet touch, pair it with a smear of jam or honey. This versatile bread complements many meals, including breakfast with a side of Easy Hot Rolls.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pull bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pull Bread contains roughly 2751 calories, with 17g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 242g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1074mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

2751 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.1g 34% DV
Total Fat 241.8g 100% DV
Carbs 139.4g 51% DV
Fiber 12.2g 44% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1074mg 47% DV
Potassium 675.1mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 72.6mg 81% DV
Calcium 69mg 5% DV
Iron 6.9mg 38% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 make pull bread in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding to the second rise and baking. This method can enhance the flavor as well.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to inactive yeast or temperature issues. Ensure your water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If the room is too cold, place the dough in a warmer area or near a heat source to encourage rising.

Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese to the dough?

Absolutely! Incorporating herbs, cheese, or even spices into the dough can elevate the flavor. Just be cautious not to add too much moisture, as this can affect the dough's texture. Mix in about 1/2 to 1 cup of your chosen ingredients for a delicious twist.

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).

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