Ruth'S Bread
Ruth's Bread offers a soft, flavorful homemade loaf with a perfect crust, ideal for breakfast or sandwiches, suited for bread lovers and home bakers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 cup warm water, and dry yeast; let stand until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups warm water, sugar, salt, and vegetable oil.
- Add the yeast mixture to the bowl.
- Add flour gradually and knead until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
- Knead the dough again briefly.
- Shape the dough and place in pans; let rise until doubled.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture. If you don't have dry yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast; just ensure to activate it in warm water first. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic powder to the dough. Be patient during the rising stages for optimal texture. If you want a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Apples for a delightful contrast of flavors. Serve it warm with butter or alongside your favorite soups and stews. It also makes excellent sandwiches; try it with roasted vegetables or classic deli meats. For a unique twist, use it as a base for savory bread pudding or French toast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore its freshness without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruth'S Bread contains roughly 977 calories, with 33g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2779mg per serving (121% 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 make this bread dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and baking.
What can I do if my bread doesn't rise properly?
If your bread doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or incorrect water temperature. Make sure the water is warm but not hot (around 110°F). If the yeast is expired, it won't activate, so check the expiration date before starting.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! You can mix in shredded cheese, herbs, or spices to the dough before the first rise. Just be mindful not to overload it, as too many additions can affect the dough's structure and rising ability.
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).