Sarah'S Spoon Bread
Sarah's Spoon Bread is a soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread perfect for family dinners or comfort food, with a light texture and warm flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat milk over medium heat until a film forms on the surface.
- Melt shortening in the warm milk.
- Let the milk mixture cool to room temperature.
- Sprinkle dry yeast over warm water in a large bowl.
- Stir until the yeast is dissolved.
- Add sugar, salt, shortening, and the milk mixture to the yeast.
- Mix well to combine.
- Add 3 cups of flour to the mixture.
- Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the remaining flour and mix well.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
- Grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Using a wooden spoon, beat the dough vigorously for 25 strokes.
- Pour the dough into the prepared pan.
- Cover with a towel and let rise until the dough reaches the top of the pan, about 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 40 to 50 minutes until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the pan and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your milk is warm but not hot when melting the shortening, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough. If the dough doesn't rise well, it may be due to old yeast, so check the expiration date before starting.
Serving Suggestions
Spoon bread can be served as a comforting side dish, pairing wonderfully with stews or soups like Yogurt Soup(From Iran). For a delightful brunch option, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a savory dish such as Vegetable Dip For Fresh Vegetables. It also makes a great base for toppings like honey or jam.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spoon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy it warm for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sarah'S Spoon Bread contains roughly 883 calories, with 13g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1425mg per serving (62% 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 plain flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture and added nutrition. Keep in mind that it may affect the rising process, so ensure your yeast is active and adjust the liquid if necessary.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a cool environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and try placing the bowl in a warmer spot, like near a preheating oven. If the dough is still sluggish, consider letting it rise longer or starting over with new ingredients.
How can I make the spoon bread sweeter?
To add sweetness to your spoon bread, you can increase the sugar in the recipe by an additional 1-2 tablespoons. You might also consider adding sweet flavorings like vanilla extract or incorporating a fruit puree for a unique twist. Remember to balance sweetness with the savory elements you may serve it with.
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).