Homestyle Artisan White Bread
This Homestyle Artisan White Bread recipe is perfect for those cozy nights when you want to enjoy a warm bowl of soup accompanied by fresh, homemade bread. With its soft, fluffy texture and delightful crust, this bread also makes for amazing sandwiches or toast. This recipe yields 4 beautiful loaves or shaped bread bowls, and offers the flexibility to create a delicious combination of both! It incorporates instant potatoes for moisture, while instant powdered milk enhances the flavor and nutritional content. Follow the steps carefully, and you'll have the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Enjoy it with your favorite spreads or dips, and savor the satisfying homemade goodness!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot water
2 cups (heated)
Powdered milk
1 cup (instant)
Cold water
2 cups (unheated)
Yeast
2 tablespoons (active dry or instant)
Sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
Salt
4 teaspoons (table salt)
Shortening
1/3 cup (softened)
Mashed potatoes
2/3 cup (instant (or 1 egg, if preferred))
All-purpose flour
10-12 cups (for kneading)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the powdered milk and hot water until well combined.
2
Add the cold water; the mixture should cool down to a temperature suitable for yeast activation.
3
Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
4
Incorporate the sugar, salt, shortening, and mashed potatoes (or egg) one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5
Gradually add the flour in increments of 2 cups while mixing, until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. You may not need all of the flour.
6
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes elastic and smooth.
7
Place the kneaded dough in a bowl that has been lightly greased with cooking spray. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
8
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to remove excess air and allow it to rise again for 1 hour.
9
Punch down the dough a second time, then divide it into 4 equal portions for loaves or bread bowls.
10
Shape each portion as desired. Place the shaped dough into greased loaf pans or onto a greased cookie sheet for bread bowls.
11
Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
12
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the bread for approximately 30 minutes or until the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
13
For an added twist, to make raisin bread, mix in 1 cup of plumped raisins and 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon per loaf before shaping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homestyle Artisan White Bread?
Homestyle Artisan White Bread is a soft and fluffy bread with a delightful crust, perfect for soup, sandwiches, or toast.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 beautiful loaves or shaped bread bowls, or a combination of both.
What makes this bread particularly moist?
The inclusion of instant mashed potatoes in the dough helps the bread retain moisture and provides a soft texture.
Why is powdered milk used in this recipe?
Instant powdered milk is used to enhance the flavor and nutritional content of the bread.
Can I make bread bowls with this dough?
Yes, the dough is flexible and can be shaped into individual bread bowls instead of standard loaves.
What type of yeast is required?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either active dry or instant yeast.
How long should I let the yeast sit?
The yeast should sit in the water and milk mixture for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What is the purpose of adding cold water after the hot water?
Cold water is added to cool the mixture down to a temperature suitable for yeast activation so the heat doesn't kill the yeast.
How much flour is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10-12 cups of all-purpose flour, added gradually until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
What can I substitute for mashed potatoes?
If you do not have instant mashed potatoes, you can use 1 egg as a substitute.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes elastic and smooth.
How long is the first rise?
The first rise should take about 1-1/2 hours in a warm place, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Do I need to let the dough rise more than once?
Yes, the dough rises three times: once for 1.5 hours, a second time for 1 hour after punching down, and a final 30 minutes after shaping.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for baking this bread.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread typically bakes for approximately 30 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
How do I make raisin bread using this recipe?
Before shaping, mix in 1 cup of plumped raisins and 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon per loaf.
What type of shortening should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of softened shortening.
Should I grease the pans before baking?
Yes, place the shaped dough into greased loaf pans or onto a greased cookie sheet for bread bowls.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step is to stir together the powdered milk and hot water in a large mixing bowl.
How many teaspoons of salt are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of table salt.
Is there sugar in this bread?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
What should I do after the second rise?
After the second rise, punch down the dough a second time and divide it into 4 equal portions.
Can I use a mixer for this dough?
The instructions suggest mixing and then kneading by hand on a floured surface, though a large mixer can be used for the initial stages.
How should I cover the dough while it rises?
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm and protected while rising.
What is the total rising time?
The total rising time is approximately 3 hours (1.5 hours + 1 hour + 30 minutes).
What kind of flour is best?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this specific homestyle recipe.
Can I use this bread for sandwiches?
Yes, the soft and fluffy texture makes it excellent for sandwiches.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, by following the steps carefully, even beginner bakers can achieve a successful artisan loaf.
What are the main categories for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Yeast Breads and is considered a comfort food.