Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that time of year when the air is filled with the aroma of roasted turkey, pumpkin spice, and of course, warm, comforting bread. I can’t tell you how many family gatherings have been made special with my *thanksgiving bread*. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a tradition! The way it rises in the oven, filling the kitchen with that irresistible smell, is truly magical. I remember my grandma’s kitchen bustling with laughter and love, and her bread was always the star of the show. The crust is perfectly golden, and the inside is soft and fluffy—just waiting for that pat of butter to melt into it. Trust me, serving this bread alongside your turkey and sides will have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!). So, let’s dive right in and make this delicious bread a part of your Thanksgiving feast!
Ingredients List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Prepare *Thanksgiving Bread*
Making your own *thanksgiving bread* is a delightful experience, and I promise it’s easier than you might think! Let’s walk through it step-by-step so you can enjoy this warm, homemade goodness with your Thanksgiving meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by combining 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F), 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast in a medium bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial—it’s how you know your yeast is alive and kicking!
- Next, add 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; that’s normal!
- Now, it’s time to knead! On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me, this is where the magic happens, and it feels so satisfying.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. You’re looking for it to double in size!
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air, then shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf into a greased pan.
- Let it rise again for another 30 minutes. This second rise is key for that fluffy texture we love.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the loaf has risen, pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Finally, let it cool for a bit before slicing. I know it’s tempting, but trust me, waiting just a few minutes makes all the difference!
And there you have it! Your *thanksgiving bread* is ready to be enjoyed. Just imagine the aroma filling your kitchen—pure bliss!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dig into the deliciousness—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these numbers as a general guide. For one slice of my homemade *thanksgiving bread*, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Enjoy the warm, wholesome goodness without any guilt—this bread is a treat that fits perfectly into your Thanksgiving feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Perfectly complements your Thanksgiving feast.
- Delivers a great texture—soft inside with a crispy crust.
- Fills your kitchen with an irresistible, warm aroma.
- Customizable with herbs or spices for a unique twist.
- Great for making ahead and freezing for later use.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *thanksgiving bread* turns out perfect every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure your water is warm but not too hot—around 110°F is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it. I like to use a thermometer for this, but if you don’t have one, it should feel comfortably warm to the touch. Also, when kneading, don’t rush it! Give the dough a good 5-10 minutes of kneading to develop that lovely gluten structure. And remember, letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot is key—try turning your oven on for a minute, then off, and placing the dough inside. Lastly, patience is a virtue! Allow the bread to cool before slicing to keep that fluffy texture intact. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your *thanksgiving bread*! One of my favorites is to add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist that pairs beautifully with turkey. You could also mix in some garlic powder or even roasted garlic for an extra punch of flavor. If you’re craving something a bit sweeter, try folding in dried cranberries or walnuts for a delightful texture and taste. And don’t forget, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring warm, festive notes that scream Thanksgiving! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this bread truly yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *thanksgiving bread* fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm treat, pop them in the toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through. Trust me, there’s nothing like warm bread to bring back those Thanksgiving vibes!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this delicious *thanksgiving bread*, let’s talk about how to serve it up! It pairs beautifully with a juicy roast turkey, of course, but don’t stop there! Imagine slathering a slice with savory gravy or a dollop of cranberry sauce—heavenly! It also complements rich sides like creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, adding that perfect touch of warmth to your plate. For a little twist, try it alongside a hearty soup, like butternut squash or a classic chowder. And don’t forget—this bread is fantastic for making mini sandwiches with leftover turkey the next day. Yum!
Print
Thanksgiving Bread: 7 Secrets for Perfectly Fluffy Results
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious bread perfect for Thanksgiving meals.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 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. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for better results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This bread can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bread
