Delicious Homemade Bread Recipe: Easy and Quick
Welcome to the world of homemade bread! There is nothing quite like the taste and smell of freshly baked bread, especially when it is made with an old-fashioned recipe that has been passed down through generations. In this article, I will be sharing with you my favorite old-time bread recipe.
Making bread from scratch can seem intimidating at first, but I promise you, with a little bit of practice and patience, you will be an expert in no time. One of the things that I love most about making bread is that it is a very meditative process. Kneading the dough can be incredibly therapeutic and satisfying. Plus, there’s something magical about watching the dough rise and transform into a delicious loaf of bread.
This old-fashioned white bread recipe is a simple yet classic recipe that has stood the test of time. It requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The result is a beautiful loaf of bread with a golden crust and soft, fluffy interior. Whether you’re looking to make toast for breakfast or sandwiches for lunch, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This old-fashioned white bread recipe will undoubtedly take you back in time with its timeless taste and aroma. Picture this – a loaf of freshly baked bread sitting on your countertop, waiting for you to slice it and savor every bite. The scent alone is enough to make your mouth water.
While there are countless bread recipes out there, what sets this recipe apart from the others is its simplicity and basic ingredients. You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to make the perfect loaf of bread. All you need is flour, yeast, salt, sugar (optional), water, and milk.
But don’t let the few ingredients fool you; they come together to create a bread that is soft and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy crust on the outside. As soon as this bread comes out of the oven, you’ll want to slice into it right away and slather some butter on top.
Whether you’re using it for sandwiches or toast, this bread can hold up to any topping or filling that you choose. It’s an excellent base for any homemade sandwich or even as a side to soup or salad.
And let’s not forget about the satisfaction of making your own homemade bread from scratch. There’s nothing quite like kneading the dough by hand or allowing it to rise on your countertop while you wait excitedly for it to bake.
So why will you love this recipe? It’s simple, delicious, versatile, and will bring back memories of simpler times while also providing a sense of accomplishment in baking something truly homemade.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this old fashioned white bread recipe:
Yeast Mixture:
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups warm water
Bread Dough:
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for greasing bowl)
- Flour (for dusting work surface)
Note: If you want to decrease the amount of yeast, use only 1 tablespoon. For a softer bread, use 1/3 cup milk instead of water.
The Recipe How-To
To start, mix the dry yeast in 1/4 cup of lukewarm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes to activate the yeast. In a separate bowl, mix 3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Create a well in the center of the mixture and add the yeast mixture, along with 2 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Use a wooden spoon or stand mixer to combine all the ingredients until you form a dough.
Kneading the Dough
Once your dough has formed, turn it out onto a floured surface for kneading. Knead your dough by pressing down on it with the heels of your hands and folds it over several times until it is smooth and elastic.
Letting the Dough Rest
Place your kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest for two hours or until its size doubles.
Shaping Your Dough and Baking
After resting, punch down the dough before shaping it into one round or two loaves shapes. Place your doughs to grease baking pans, cover again with a cloth, and wait for another 20-30 minutes for them to rise again. Preheat your oven at 350°F (175°C) degrees while waiting. Once they have risen properly, bake your loaves for about 40-50 minutes until light brown in color in color.
Cooling Down
Rip off a small piece from the baked bread after cooling down and dip it in olive oil to smell its rich aroma. Now, slice up and serve as desired. Enjoy this old-fashioned white bread recipe anytime you want to make homemade bread!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this old-fashioned white bread recipe is that it can be easily modified to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Whole Wheat Bread: You can replace some or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour to make a healthier version of this bread. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour doesn’t rise as much as white flour, so you may need to add more yeast or let the dough rise longer.
– Milk: You can use any type of milk in this recipe, such as almond milk or soy milk, instead of regular milk. This makes it a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
– Beer: Instead of using water to dissolve the yeast, you can use beer for a richer flavor. Be aware that this will also add some alcohol content to the bread.
– Sugar: If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup instead of sugar.
– Add-ins: You can add nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or herbs to the bread dough to give it a different flavor and texture. Some popular choices include sunflower seeds, raisins, and rosemary.
– Shape: Instead of making a traditional loaf with this dough, you can shape it into rolls or buns for sandwiches or burgers. You can also make braided loaves or even pretzels.
By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you can create a bread that suits your personal taste and satisfies your cravings.
Serving and Pairing
Serving a slice of freshly baked old fashioned white bread is like embracing the old world at your dinner table. Pairing it with soups and stews, or using it for sandwiches, often elevates the meal from basic to comforting indulgence.
A classic pairing for this homemade bread is a bowl of hearty beef or vegetable soup. The bread can be toasted and cut into cubes for croutons or simply served alongside to mop up every last drop of broth.
Another classic serving option is for sandwiches. The bread has a soft, chewy texture, which makes it perfect for sandwich-making. You can use regular fillings like grilled cheese, peanut butter and jam, or get more creative and try pairing it with prosciutto, spinach artichoke spread, or shredded chicken salad.
Old fashioned white bread can also be used as a base for bread pudding with buttery caramel topping, served with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This dessert might satisfy the sweet tooth craving as it has a decadent sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
In general, don’t overthink pairing when it comes to old fashioned White Bread recipes. Bread often has the remarkable gift of complementing just about anything – cheese plates, cold cuts, dips and sauces, grilled seafood even root vegetables- to name just a few.
No matter how you decide to serve this homemade old fashioned white bread, one thing remains constant- a loaf of freshly baked old-fashioned white bread always brings happiness to your home.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Bread is best consumed fresh out of the oven, but sometimes you might want to do some prep work ahead of time. Luckily, this Old Time Bread Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time.
To make this bread ahead of time, follow the recipe as normal, then let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and storing in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to consume, let the bread come to room temperature before reheating in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
For longer storage, you can also freeze the bread. After it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store it in the freezer for up to six months. Before serving, thaw at room temperature overnight and reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
When reheating any type of bread, be careful not to overdo it as this could dry out the bread or even burn it. It’s best to reheat slowly and check on the bread frequently until it reaches your desired texture and temperature.
This Old Time Bread Recipe also makes amazing breadcrumbs if you have any stale leftovers. Simply pulse slices of stale bread in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. These breadcrumbs are great for use in many recipes such as meatballs or coating fried foods.
Overall, this bread recipe is versatile and can be stored for later consumption without losing its taste and texture. So don’t hesitate to make a big batch since you can enjoy freshly baked bread anytime with minimal effort!
Tips for Perfect Results
Want to achieve perfect results with your old-fashioned white bread recipe? Here are some tips to help you achieve the best outcome:
1. Use high-quality ingredients- The quality of your ingredients plays a major role in how your bread turns out. You want to use fresh, high-quality products like fresh milk, active dry yeast, and all-purpose flour.
2. Don’t forget to activate your yeast- Make sure your yeast is fully activated before you start mixing your ingredients. Activating the yeast also helps ensure that the dough rises properly.
3. Knead completely- Kneading the dough is crucial for gluten formation, which gives bread its texture and density. Take the time to knead the dough to perfection.
4. Know when to stop adding flour- It’s important to make sure that you have enough flour in the mixture, but it’s also crucial not to overdo it. Add flour slowly, until you reach a consistency that is easy to handle and work with.
5. Let the dough rise correctly- Give your bread enough time for it to rise properly indoors or outdoors. Air on the warm side when possible and look for multiplication in size rather than an increase in height.
6. Use a thermometer- When baking bread, temperatures should be precise so that it cooks evenly and thoroughly on the inside without overcooking on the outside.
7. Shield top – About 30 minutes into baking, place aluminum foil over the top of loaf pans and continue baking until done through in order to prevent over-browning at topmost layer of loaf.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an old-fashioned white bread that is not only delicious but also beautifully fluffy on the inside with added aesthetic appeal on topmost layer!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there are always questions that come up during the process. In this section, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions to help ensure that you have all the information you need to make this old-fashioned white bread recipe a success. From ingredient substitutions to tips for perfect results, let’s dive into some common queries for making the best homemade bread possible.
How do you make bread in the olden days?
Bread-making has been around for centuries and has evolved over time. Back in the day, humans used to mix crushed grains with water and spread the mixture on stones to bake in the sun. As time went on, the baking process became more complex. People began to bake bread in hot ashes. The ancient Egyptians are said to have been the first to make leavened bread, which may have involved allowing dough to stand before baking.
How was bread made in ancient times?
Long ago, people used small clay ovens called tabuns to bake bread. These ovens were often made from clay coils or old pottery jars. To heat the oven, dung was used as fuel. The bread was then baked by placing it against the inside walls of the oven. Recently, archaeologists have discovered these ancient ovens.
What was old bread made of?
In the ancient times, people used to make bread by combining wild wheat and barley flour with crushed plant roots and water before baking it.
What did they use to make bread in the 1800s?
In the old days, bread-making was a simple process involving only flour, water, yeast, and salt. If desired, one could add dried fruits, herbs, or other grains to the dough. Back then, there were no thermometers to check the oven’s temperature. Instead, cooks would toss handfuls of cornmeal into the oven and observe if it would burn, a sign that the oven was sufficiently hot.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this old time bread recipe is an heirloom recipe that has stood the test of time. It’s timeless, classic and it never fails to bring joy to those who indulge in its goodness. This is a bread recipe that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is easy to follow and yields perfectly light, fluffy and flavorful bread every time. And with endless variations and substitutions, you can customize it to your liking.
So why not try making this old fashioned white bread today? Your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of fresh baked bread and your taste buds will thank you for the deliciousness that’s in store. Trust us – once you’ve tasted this bread, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
So roll up your sleeves, dust off your baking equipment, and get ready for a fun and fulfilling baking adventure. Happy baking!
Old Time Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bushel white flour
- 3 pints beer
- 1/4 cup salt, plus
- 1 gallon milk, plus
Instructions
- Your best and principal bread is Manchet, which you shall bake in this manner.
- First your meal being ground upon the black stones, if be possible, which makes the whitest flower, and boulted through the finest boulting cloth, you shall put it into a clean Kimnel.
- Opening the flower hollow in the midst, put into it of the best ale-barm, the quantity of three pints to a bushell of meale and some salt to season it with.
- Then put in your liquor reasonable warme, and kneade it very well together, with both your hands, and through the brake, or for want thereof, fould it in a cloth, and with your feete treade it a good space together.
- Then letting it lie an houre or thereabouts to swel.
- Take it foorth and mould it into Manchets, round, and flat, scorcht them about the wast to give it leave to rise, and prick it with your knife in the top, and so put into the oven, and bake with gentle heat.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.