Refrigerator Bread Dough
Refrigerator bread dough yields fresh, homemade loaves with a soft crumb and golden crust, perfect for everyday baking or special occasions, suitable for bread lovers of all levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix boiling water, sugar, shortening, salt, and plain flour until well combined.
- When mixture becomes lukewarm, add yeast and then beaten eggs.
- Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
- Place dough in loaf pans and let rise until it doubles in size.
- Bake at 375°F until golden brown and tapping the top produces a hollow sound.
- Any extra dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or spices like garlic powder or rosemary to the dough. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter or coconut oil. Ensure the water is not too hot when adding yeast, as it can kill the yeast. For a more rustic texture, use part whole wheat flour in place of the plain flour.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or a hearty salad. You can also serve it with spreads like butter, jam, or even a savory dip like Pumpernickel Rye Dip. For a delightful treat, serve slices with a side of Brandy Eggnog Sauce for a festive twist. Consider making sandwiches with the bread for a delicious lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To use, simply remove the desired amount, shape it, and let it rise at room temperature before baking. Baked bread can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Refrigerator Bread Dough contains roughly 1058 calories, with 21g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2046mg per serving (89% 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 freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! After it has risen, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake at 375°F. It’s done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the top. For best results, check it a few minutes before the time is up to avoid overbaking.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, ensure that the yeast is fresh and that the water temperature was lukewarm when combined with the yeast. Also, check that your kitchen is warm enough, as cooler temperatures can slow down yeast activity. If needed, you can place the dough in a warm spot, like an oven with the light on.
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).