Ah, Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without a warm, crusty loaf of bread, right? This delicious bread for Thanksgiving dinner adds that perfect touch of comfort and warmth to your festive table. I remember my grandmother would always have a fresh loaf baking in the oven as we gathered around, filling the house with that irresistible aroma. It’s not just any bread; it’s the kind that invites you to break it apart, slather it with butter, and share stories. Trust me, this recipe captures that essence beautifully, making it a must-have at your holiday feast!
Ingredients List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for our bread, giving it that lovely structure and texture.
- 1 packet active dry yeast: This is what makes your bread rise! Just one packet (usually about 2 ¼ teaspoons) will do the trick.
- 1 cup warm water: Make sure it’s warm, not hot! It should feel like a cozy bath for the yeast to wake up.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: This little bit of sweetness helps to feed the yeast and gives a nice flavor to the bread.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt is essential for flavor, but too much can inhibit yeast growth, so don’t skip it!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds moisture and richness to the bread, making it even tastier.
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. Combine the warm water and sugar in the bowl. Stir it gently until the sugar dissolves, then add the active dry yeast. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice it foaming a bit—that’s the yeast waking up and getting ready to work its magic!
- Once the yeast is bubbly, add the olive oil and salt to your mixture. Stir it together to combine those flavors. This step is crucial because the oil will help keep your bread moist and delicious!
- Now, it’s time to incorporate the flour. Gradually add it in, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t rush this part; let the flour mix in slowly, and you’ll avoid a flour explosion!
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You want to develop that gluten, which gives your bread that lovely chewy texture. It should be smooth and elastic when you’re done. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but don’t overdo it!
- Next, place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. This is when the yeast does its thing, making your dough puff up beautifully.
- After an hour, it’s time to punch down the dough! Don’t be shy—this deflates it and redistributes the yeast. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. You’ll notice how much it expands during this time!
- Finally, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes. It should turn a gorgeous golden brown, and when you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow—this means it’s ready!
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just over an hour!
- Easy to follow, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Delicious flavor that pairs wonderfully with your Thanksgiving feast.
- Customizable with herbs for a unique twist.
- Creates that warm, inviting aroma in your home.
Tips for Success
To get the best results from this bread, make sure your water is warm but not hot—too much heat can kill the yeast! When kneading, don’t rush it; really work that dough for about 10 minutes to develop gluten. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. For rising, find a warm spot in your kitchen; a slightly heated oven (turned off) works wonders. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different! When it sounds hollow when tapped, it’s golden. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about this bread for Thanksgiving dinner is how easily you can customize it! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder into the dough for extra flavor. Or, if you want a hint of sweetness, mix in some cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg—perfect for the holiday spirit! You could also fold in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for a delightful twist. The options are endless, so let your creativity shine and make this bread your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover bread fresh, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the freezer! Just slice it first for easy serving later, and it’ll last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat slices in a toaster or wrap the whole loaf in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will revive that delicious fresh-baked taste!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Each slice of this delicious bread for Thanksgiving dinner contains about 120 calories, 3g of fat, 3g of protein, and 22g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the bread denser. You might want to mix it with some all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
Great question! Your bread is done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, it should register around 190°F (88°C) in the center.
What’s the best way to store leftover bread?
Once cooled, wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it and enjoy it later!
Can I add other ingredients, like cheese or olives?
Yes! Feel free to mix in shredded cheese, olives, or even sun-dried tomatoes to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner bread. Just balance the amount so it doesn’t affect the dough’s texture.
How long should I let the dough rise?
Let it rise for about 1 hour in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This is crucial for a light and airy loaf!
Bread for Thanksgiving Dinner: 7 Irresistible Secrets
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 1 loaf 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious bread perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingrédients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Add yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add olive oil and salt to the mixture.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Feel free to add herbs for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Breads
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 3g
- Graisses Saturées: 0.5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2.5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 22g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: bread for thanksgiving dinner
