Quick Bread
This quick bread offers a hearty, homemade flavor with a soft, chewy crumb and a golden crust. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches, it pairs well with cheeses, meats, or spreads. Its simple ingredients and straightforward process make it ideal for bakers of all levels seeking fresh, warm bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and margarine in a large bowl.
- Add warm water to the mixture.
- Beat by hand for 2 minutes until well combined.
- Add 3/4 to 1 cup of additional flour and mix for another 2 minutes.
- Mix until the dough is soft and smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts.
- Place the two loaves on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush the cooled bread with melted butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast properly. If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute some of the margarine with olive oil or melted butter. You can also experiment by adding herbs or spices to the dough for a twist. If you want a denser bread, reduce the amount of warm water slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This quick bread is perfect for sandwiches or served warm with butter. It pairs beautifully with Corn Relish(A Quickie) for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside a hearty soup or salad, such as Rice Salad Mold, for a complete meal. It also makes a great base for bruschetta or can be enjoyed toasted with your favorite spreads.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the thawed bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Bread contains roughly 262 calories, with 16g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 642mg per serving (28% 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 whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You may need to adjust the water slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with 5 cups of whole wheat flour and add water gradually until you achieve the desired dough consistency.
Can I add additional ingredients like cheese or herbs?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese or fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of your quick bread. Mix in 1 to 2 cups of your choice of cheese or 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs during the initial mixing stage. Just remember to adjust the flour slightly if the dough becomes too wet.
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).