"The Best" Yeast Bread
This rich, buttery yeast bread features a tender crumb and golden crust, perfect for breakfast or as a side. With a hint of sweetness and a soft texture, it suits those who enjoy homemade baked goods with comforting flavors and warm, inviting aromas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Heat milk to lukewarm (110° to 115° F). Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk.
- Cream together 1 stick of margarine, sugar, and salt.
- Add the milk with dissolved yeast to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Beat the eggs separately and then add them to the mixture. Beat together thoroughly.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of flour and mix well.
- Cover the mixture and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Add another 1 1/2 cups of flour and mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate the dough for several hours or overnight.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into a greased Bundt or tube pan.
- Pour 1 stick of melted butter over the batter.
- Allow the dough to rise for 3 hours.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture. If you don’t have margarine, unsalted butter works just as well. Make sure your milk is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If you're short on time, skip the refrigeration step, but letting the dough rest enhances the flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful served warm with butter or alongside a hearty soup or salad. It pairs beautifully with Mock Hollandaise Sauce for a brunch spread. For a sweet treat, enjoy it with jam or use it as a base for French toast. Consider serving it with Barbecue Scalloped Potatoes for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or wrap the whole loaf in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "The Best" Yeast Bread contains roughly 160 calories, with 5g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 983mg per serving (43% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount and mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it in warm milk first. This can save time and still yield a great loaf.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to expired yeast or insufficient warmth. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area. If it still doesn’t rise, you may need to start over with new yeast.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg and let it sit until it thickens. This will help maintain the texture.
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).