Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a delightful twist on a classic favorite? Linda's Easy Potato Bread is not just any bread; it's a soft, fluffy loaf that brings the comforting taste of homemade goodness right to your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a mouthwatering bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy your cravings. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to discover the secrets behind this irresistible loaf!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the mashed potatoes. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make fresh ones by boiling peeled potatoes until tender, then mashing them with a bit of salt and butter. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature.
- In a small bowl, activate the yeast. Combine 1/4 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with the package of active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the activated yeast mixture to the potato mixture and stir until combined.
- Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, continue adding flour, a little at a time, until it is manageable but still soft.
- Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let it rise again in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the loaf has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Linda's Easy Potato Bread fresh or toasted with butter, jam, or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Use Warm Potatoes: If you're making fresh mashed potatoes, ensure they cool to room temperature before mixing them with other ingredients. This helps to activate the yeast properly.
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, it won't activate.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, fold it back over itself, and give it a quarter turn. This technique helps develop gluten for a better texture.
- Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a warm environment by turning on your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the covered dough inside.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf after removing it from the oven. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready!
- Storage Tip: Keep your bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it in plastic wrap. It can also be frozen for later enjoyment—just slice it beforehand for easy thawing!Enjoy baking and savoring your homemade Linda's Easy Potato Bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
