Discover the mouthwatering delight of Potato Casserole Bread, a tender and flavorful bread that owes its delectable texture to the addition of potatoes. Crafted by Lisa Powers from Leadore, Idaho, this bread is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal. The best part? It’s a versatile recipe that freezes well, allowing you to enjoy one loaf immediately and save the other for later indulgence.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 packages (¼ ounce each) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water (110° to 115° F)
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (without added milk and butter)
- 8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6¼ to 6¾ cups all-purpose flour
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the evaporated milk, mashed potatoes, crumbled bacon, softened butter, eggs, sugar, dried minced onion, caraway seeds, garlic salt, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Beat the mixture until smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft and pliable dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic, taking about 6 to 8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions. Shape each portion into a round loaf and place them in two greased 2-quart round baking dishes with straight sides. Cover the dishes and allow the dough to rise again in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take around 40 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Bake the loaves for 40 to 50 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Once baked, remove the loaves from the baking dishes and let them cool on wire racks before serving.
YIELD: 2 loaves (16 slices each)
PREP/Bake TIME: 25 minutes + rising + 40 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- For a meatless version, omit the bacon, and the bread will still retain its deliciousness.
TIPS:
- Serve the Potato Casserole Bread alongside soups, stews, or hearty salads for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- To freeze the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
In conclusion, Potato Casserole Bread is a delectable and versatile bread creation by Lisa Powers from Leadore, Idaho, that incorporates the comforting essence of mashed potatoes and the delightful crunch of bacon. This tender and flavorful bread is perfect for any meal, adding a touch of savory goodness and sweetness to the dining experience.
The combination of active dry yeast, warm water, and evaporated milk allows the dough to rise beautifully, resulting in loaves that are fluffy and airy. The addition of mashed potatoes not only contributes to the bread’s tender texture but also infuses it with a rich and satisfying taste.
For bacon enthusiasts, the inclusion of crumbled bacon provides a delectable twist, adding a savory crunch that perfectly complements the bread’s softness.
This recipe’s simplicity and versatility are truly remarkable, allowing you to freeze one loaf for later enjoyment while relishing the other immediately. With just the right amount of sweetness from sugar, the delightful aroma of dried minced onion, and the aromatic touch of caraway seeds, this bread becomes an exceptional treat for the taste buds.
Serve the Potato Casserole Bread alongside soups, stews, or hearty salads to elevate any meal to new heights. The warm and comforting flavors make this bread an ideal choice for family gatherings and special occasions alike.
As you take a bite of this delectable creation, you’ll experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures, with each slice offering a harmonious blend of tender goodness and savory delights.
The Potato Casserole Bread is a true testament to the joy of homemade baking, and its ability to freeze well ensures that you can savor its delectable taste whenever you desire.
So, embrace the heartwarming essence of this exceptional bread, and let its aroma fill your home with warmth and happiness.
