Buttermilk Bread Recipe 🍞
Preparation Time: 3 hours
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves
Description:
Indulge in the delightful aroma and taste of freshly baked Buttermilk Bread, a recipe crafted to perfection. With its soft texture and subtle tanginess, this homemade bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Ideal for any occasion, this Buttermilk Bread recipe promises wholesome goodness in every slice.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 to 5 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast:
- In the bowl of your mixer, combine the water and active dry yeast. Allow it to proof for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture:
- While the yeast is proofing, gently heat the buttermilk and butter in a saucepan over low heat until the butter melts completely. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture appears curdled; this is normal when heating buttermilk.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour with the kosher salt, baking soda, and sugar.
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Incorporate Ingredients:
- Pour the flour mixture over the proofed yeast in the mixer bowl. Mix until well combined.
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Mix the Dough:
- Attach the dough hook to your mixer and begin mixing the ingredients. Gradually add another cup of flour while mixing until it’s fully incorporated.
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Knead the Dough:
- Continue adding flour gradually until the dough forms a cohesive ball and is no longer sticky. Let the mixer knead the dough for 5-10 minutes.
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Hand Kneading:
- Remove the dough from the mixer bowl and transfer it to a floured surface. Knead it by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a buttered bowl, covering it with plastic wrap and then a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size.
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Divide and Shape:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release excess air. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into loaves. Place the shaped loaves into greased loaf pans.
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Second Rise:
- Set the loaf pans aside and allow the dough to undergo a second rise until it fills the pans nicely.
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Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s adequately heated for baking.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Once the loaves have risen again, place them in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Enjoy the Aroma:
- Remove the freshly baked Buttermilk Bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite spreads or use it to make sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoy it on its own.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1279.9
- Fat: 28.1g
- Saturated Fat: 16.4g
- Cholesterol: 70.9mg
- Sodium: 1589.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 217.6g
- Fiber: 8.4g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 36.6g
Recipe Notes:
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute melted butter for the unsalted butter in the buttermilk mixture.
- Ensure the yeast is fresh and active to achieve the best rise and texture in your bread.
- Don’t skip the second rise step, as it helps develop the bread’s structure and texture.
- Store any leftover Buttermilk Bread in an airtight container or plastic bag to maintain its freshness. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
