Easy Homemade Potato Bread Recipe | Soft & Delicious

by | Aug 9, 2024 | Potato Recipes

Did you know adding one cup of mashed potatoes to your bread dough can make it last up to 3 days longer? This fact shows why homemade potato bread is a hit in many kitchens. Our recipe makes two loaves, each with 15 slices of soft, fluffy bread that will change your sandwich game.

Making this tasty potato bread at home is easier than you think. It takes about 40-50 minutes to bake and has only 181 calories per slice. This recipe is great for both beginners and experts. It makes a moist, flavorful loaf that can compete with any bakery.

Get ready to explore the world of potato bread. This easy recipe is set to become your favorite for homemade bread. Let’s start baking and discover the secrets to making the perfect loaf.

Key Takeaways

  • Potato bread stays fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature
  • The recipe yields 30 slices from two loaves
  • Each slice contains 181 calories
  • Baking time ranges from 40-50 minutes
  • The dough rises for about 1 hour until doubled in size
  • You can freeze baked loaves for up to one month
  • This homemade potato bread recipe uses 80% bread flour

Introduction to Potato Bread

Potato bread is a tasty twist on regular bread, with mashed potatoes added to the mix. This makes the loaf soft, moist, and uniquely flavored. It’s denser than white bread but still light and fluffy.

A classic recipe for potato bread, by PJ Hamel, includes mashed potatoes, flour, yeast, sugar, and butter. You’ll need about 12 ounces of russet potatoes. You can also use leftover mashed potatoes or instant potato flakes.

This recipe makes two loaves. Bake them in 8×4-inch pans at 350°F for about 45 minutes. The result is a versatile bread great for sandwiches, toast, or French toast. It keeps well at room temperature for several days or up to 6 months in the freezer.

“Potato bread has become a family favorite. Its soft texture and subtle flavor make it perfect for any meal!” – Sarah, home baker

Feel free to try new things with potato bread. Some add whole wheat flour or ground flax seed for extra nutrition. Whether you’re experienced or new at baking, potato bread is a delicious addition to your homemade bread collection.

Why Potato Bread is a Game-Changer

Potato bread is a standout in the world of bread. It’s loved for its unique taste and texture. Bakers and bread fans can’t get enough of it.

Enhanced Texture and Moisture

Adding mashed potatoes to the dough makes the bread incredibly soft. The starches in potatoes add a moist crumb. This makes each slice great for sandwiches or toast.

This bread also stays fresh longer, thanks to its moisture. So, you can enjoy it for days after baking. It’s a big win for families and those with busy lives.

Extended Shelf Life

Potato bread keeps fresh for longer than regular bread. You can keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days. Or freeze it for up to three months.

This makes it a smart choice for families and busy people. It’s practical and delicious.

Unique Flavor Profile

The flavor of potato bread is both sweet and earthy. It’s perfect with many toppings and fillings. The natural sugars in potatoes caramelize during baking, giving it a special taste.

This bread is versatile for both sweet and savory dishes. It’s a real game-changer in baking.

Feature Benefit
Soft texture Ideal for sandwiches and toast
Moist crumb Stays fresh longer
Subtle sweetness Complements various toppings

Potato bread is a game-changer in baking. It has a great texture, stays fresh, and tastes amazing. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, this bread will be a favorite in your kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Potato Bread Recipe

Making the perfect potato bread is all about the right mix of ingredients. At the core, you need potatoes. Use about 375g of peeled and chunked potatoes, like Maris Piper.

Next, you’ll need 300g of potato bread flour for a chewy texture. For a denser bread, mix 100g wholemeal with 200g white flour. Also, include 25g of butter for richness and ½ teaspoon of salt to boost flavors.

  • 375g peeled potatoes
  • 300g strong white flour
  • 25g butter
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 75ml warm cooking liquid
  • Active dry yeast

When you mix these ingredients, magic happens. Mash the cooked potatoes and blend with flour for a unique texture. The warm cooking liquid from the potatoes adds extra flavor, making the bread irresistible.

Quality matters a lot. Choose fresh potatoes and top-notch flour for the best outcome. With these ingredients, you’re set to bake a soft, tasty loaf that will wow your loved ones.

Choosing the Right Potatoes for Your Bread

Choosing the perfect potatoes is key for your potato bread. The right type can make your bread’s texture and taste amazing. This makes it a top choice among homemade loaves.

Russet Potatoes: The Ideal Choice

Russet potatoes are top picks for potato bread. They have lots of starch, making the bread fluffy and great for baking. You’ll need 1-2 medium russet potatoes, which give about 120g of mashed potato for your recipe.

Alternatives to Fresh Potatoes

If you can’t find fresh potatoes, don’t fret! Leftover mashed potatoes or instant potato flakes work well. For a smooth dough, use a potato ricer instead of mashing. Potato flour is also great, adding softness without changing the dough’s moisture level.

Preparing Mashed Potatoes for Bread

For your bread, aim for mashed potatoes that are very smooth. Cook and mash the potatoes finely, then pass them through a sieve while they’re still warm. Use about 1¼ cups of mashed potatoes per recipe. This replaces 10-30% of the flour, making the loaf soft and moist.

potato bread ingredients

Potato Type Amount Needed Preparation Method
Fresh Russet 1-2 medium (120g cooked) Boil, mash, sieve
Leftover Mashed 1¼ cups Reheat, sieve if needed
Instant Flakes ½ cup (43g) Rehydrate per package instructions
Potato Flour ¼ cup (46g) Use as-is, reduce liquid in recipe

Step-by-Step Potato Bread Recipe

Making potato bread at home is simple. This recipe makes two loaves of soft, tasty bread. It’s great for any meal. Let’s get started with the steps to make this delicious potato bread dough.

First, collect your ingredients. You’ll need ¾ cup mashed potatoes, 1¾ cups warmed milk, 4¾ cups bread flour, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 eggs. Mix the yeast, sugar, and warm milk in a big bowl. Then, add the mashed potatoes, eggs, and salt, stirring well.

Slowly add the flour to the mix, kneading the dough until it’s smooth and a bit sticky. Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour. Then, shape the dough into two loaves and let them rise again for 15 minutes.

Heat your oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves for 35-45 minutes until they’re golden brown. They should have an internal temperature of 190°F. For a shiny crust, brush the tops with melted butter after baking.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) Amount
Calories 135 kcal
Carbohydrates 22g
Protein 3g
Fat 3g
Sodium 146mg

This recipe takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes, including prep, resting, and baking. You’ll end up with two tasty loaves. These can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

Kneading and Proofing Techniques

Learning how to knead and proof your potato bread dough is key to making a perfect loaf. These steps greatly affect the dough’s texture and taste.

Hand Kneading vs. Stand Mixer

You can knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer. Hand kneading takes 5-7 minutes, while a stand mixer with a dough hook needs about 6 minutes. Aim for a dough that’s a bit sticky for a moist loaf.

Kneading potato bread dough

Optimal Proofing Conditions

For the best proofing, keep your dough in a warm spot, around 75-80°F. Proofing usually takes about 60 minutes, but it can change with the room’s temperature. Setting up the right environment for your dough is crucial for great potato bread.

Signs of Properly Proofed Dough

When your dough is ready, it will have doubled in size and feel soft. Here’s how to tell if it’s ready:

Proofing Stage Visual Cues Touch Test
Under-proofed Minimal rise, tight surface Springs back quickly
Properly Proofed Doubled in size, puffy Indent remains briefly
Over-proofed Collapsed or flattened Indent doesn’t spring back

Remember, kneading and proofing well are key to making great potato bread. They help create a soft, tasty loaf that stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored right.

Baking Tips for Perfect Potato Bread

Mastering potato bread baking takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve a perfect loaf every time. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly from the start.

For the best results, use a digital thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach at least 190°F (88°C). This method is more reliable than the traditional tap test.

Keep an eye on your potato bread crust. If it browns too quickly, tent it with foil. This prevents burning while allowing the inside to finish baking. For a soft, shiny crust, brush the tops with melted butter right after baking.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Rising Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours

After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the crust from becoming soggy. Remember, patience is key in potato bread baking!

“The secret to great potato bread lies in the details – from the temperature of your oven to the cooling process. Each step matters.”

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking delicious potato bread with a perfect crust and texture. Happy baking!

Variations on Classic Potato Bread

Potato bread recipes are a great way to get creative. You can add different ingredients to the classic recipe for new tastes. Let’s check out some fun changes to the traditional recipe.

Herb-Infused Potato Bread

Add herbs to your potato bread for a new flavor. Use chopped rosemary, thyme, or sage in the dough before baking. This makes a great match with chicken and waffles, boosting the meal’s taste.

Cheesy Potato Bread

Try adding grated cheese to your potato bread for a savory twist. Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère are good choices. They add a rich, tangy taste. Mix the cheese into the dough during the last kneading.

Whole Wheat Potato Bread

Make your potato bread healthier by using whole wheat flour. It keeps the bread soft but adds a nutty taste and more fiber. Start by using 25% whole wheat flour and adjust as you like.

Variation Key Ingredient Flavor Profile
Herb-Infused Rosemary or Thyme Aromatic, Savory
Cheesy Cheddar or Parmesan Rich, Tangy
Whole Wheat Whole Wheat Flour Nutty, Hearty

These changes let you make your potato bread your own while keeping its soft texture. Try different mixes to discover your favorite flavor!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Our homemade potato bread recipe is perfect for many dishes. It has a soft texture and a subtle flavor. Enjoy it with butter or peanut butter for a tasty breakfast.

This bread is great for sandwiches because of its moist crumb. Use it for amazing deli-style sandwiches with turkey or your favorite meats. It won’t get soggy with spreads and fillings.

Try making French toast with this bread for a unique twist. The potato flavor makes it stand out. This bread is also perfect with hearty soups or stews. It’s great for dipping.

Each loaf makes 16 slices, so you can share with others. This bread stays fresh for two days at room temperature, wrapped tightly. Enjoy its deliciousness over several meals.

FAQ

What is potato bread?

Potato bread is a special kind of bread. It has mashed potatoes in the dough. This makes the bread soft, moist, and gives it a unique taste.

What are the benefits of potato bread?

Potato bread is known for its soft texture and extra moisture. It also lasts longer than regular bread and tastes different.

What are the essential ingredients for potato bread?

You need instant yeast, sugar, whole milk, warm water, butter, eggs, mashed potatoes, salt, and flour for this bread.

What type of potatoes is best for potato bread?

Russet potatoes work best for making bread because they’re high in starch and fluffy. You can also use leftover mashed potatoes or instant potato flakes.

How do you prepare the mashed potatoes for bread?

Make the mashed potatoes smooth without adding milk or butter. Use about 1¼ cups of mashed potatoes per recipe.

What are the steps in the potato bread recipe?

First, mix the ingredients together. Then, knead the dough. Let it proof, shape into loaves, proof again, and bake at 350°F until it’s golden brown and reaches 190°F inside.

How do you knead and proof the potato bread dough?

Knead the dough by hand for 6-8 minutes or use a stand mixer for about 6 minutes. Proof the dough in a warm spot (75-80°F) until it doubles and feels soft when pressed.

What are some baking tips for perfect potato bread?

Heat your oven to 350°F. Use a thermometer to check if it’s done (190°F inside). Cover with foil if it browns too fast. Brush with melted butter after baking for a shiny crust.

What are some variations on classic potato bread?

Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for a special flavor. Add grated cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist. Or, use some whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.

How can potato bread be served?

Enjoy potato bread toasted with butter or your favorite toppings. It’s great for sandwiches, French toast, or as a side with soups, stews, and salads.