The Best Potato Bread

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Potato bread is a wonderfully soft and flavorful bread that uses mashed potatoes to enhance its texture and taste. This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. It’s easy to make and yields a deliciously tender loaf that stays fresh longer than regular bread. Let’s dive into the recipe for the best potato bread you’ll ever make.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of mashed potatoes (from roughly 2 medium-sized potatoes)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast (equivalent to one packet)
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
    • Peel and cube 2 medium potatoes.
    • Boil the potatoes in a pot of water until they are tender, about 15 minutes.
    • Drain and mash the potatoes until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of mashed potatoes and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Activate the Yeast
    • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and honey (or sugar). Stir until the honey is dissolved.
    • Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  3. Mix the Dough
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, and the yeast mixture.
    • Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl.
    • Mix the ingredients until they form a dough. Mixing can be done either using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or manually with a wooden spoon.
  4. Knead the Dough
    • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
    • If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
  5. First Rise
    • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides.
    • Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Shape the Loaf
    • Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles.
    • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
    • Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  7. Second Rise
    • Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  8. Bake the Bread
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
    • If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  9. Cool and Serve
    • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
    • Turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Conclusion

This potato bread is incredibly soft, flavorful, and perfect for a variety of uses. The addition of mashed potatoes gives the bread a unique texture and helps it stay fresh longer. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying a slice with butter, this potato bread recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful homemade bread!

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