San Francisco Firehouse Bread
San Francisco Firehouse Bread is a hearty, flavorful loaf with onion, herbs, and cornmeal, perfect for sharing at family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Cook chopped onion in oil until tender.
- Add cooked onion, yeast mixture, honey, salt, and herbs to milk.
- Mix in cornmeal and 2 cups of flour, beating well.
- Add remaining flour and knead for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Divide the dough in half and shape into oval loaves.
- Place each loaf in well-greased 1-pound coffee cans.
- Let rise until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, covering loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs if available, as they add a vibrant taste to the bread. If you run out of fresh parsley, dried parsley can work in a pinch. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness. Ensure your water is warm but not hot to keep the yeast active. Knead the dough until smooth for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This San Francisco Firehouse Bread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or as a side to salads. It also makes fantastic sandwiches when sliced. Try serving it alongside a warm bowl of Chilled Strawberry Soup From Disney World for a delightful contrast. You can also enjoy it toasted with butter or your favorite spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of San Francisco Firehouse Bread contains roughly 132 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% 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
Is it necessary to use coffee cans for baking?
While using coffee cans gives the bread its signature shape, you can also bake the dough in a standard loaf pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as it may bake faster in a pan. The key is to check for a golden crust and a hollow sound when tapped.
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).