Sandy'S Homemade Bread
Homemade bread with a soft, chewy texture and classic flavor, perfect for sandwiches or as a side. Suitable for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put salt, sugar, shortening, and water in a large mixing bowl. Add warm water and stir.
- Sprinkle yeast over water and let set for 5 minutes.
- Do not stir after adding yeast.
- Add 2 cups of flour and beat thoroughly.
- Add remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- When unable to mix well with a spoon, mix with your hands.
- Mix until dough begins to get stiff and hard to mix in flour.
- Pour dough onto a well-floured surface; sprinkle with flour on top.
- Let dough rest for 5 minutes while you wash your bowl.
- Knead dough for 5 to 10 minutes; sprinkle with flour as necessary until dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure the water is warm but not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter or olive oil can be substituted for a different flavor. For added richness, try incorporating an egg into the dough. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for better results, and don't skip the resting period to enhance the gluten structure.
Serving Suggestions
Sandy's Homemade Bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or served alongside soups and salads. It pairs beautifully with Flossie's Yeast Bread for a delightful bread basket. Try spreading butter or your favorite jam on warm slices, or enjoy it as a side with dishes like Inside Out Cabbage Rolls for a comforting meal. It's versatile enough to complement both sweet and savory dishes.
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 slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sandy'S Homemade Bread contains roughly 223 calories, with 11g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2769mg per serving (120% 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
Why did my bread not rise?
If your bread didn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is not too hot or cold. Allowing the dough to rest in a warm, draft-free area can also help activate the yeast, ensuring a good rise.
Can I make this bread recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by replacing Crisco with a plant-based shortening or oil. Additionally, ensure that any other ingredients you use are vegan-friendly. The bread will still turn out deliciously fluffy and satisfying.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Alternatively, you can use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach around 190°F. For a nice crust, bake until golden brown.
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).