Potato bread is a wonderfully soft and tender bread made with mashed potatoes mixed into the dough. This technique not only keeps the bread moist but also adds a subtle, delightful flavor and unique texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth. The natural starches in the potatoes help retain moisture, keeping the bread fresh longer and making it ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as a side with your favorite soups and stews. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be making homemade potato bread that tastes like it came from a bakery!
Why This Recipe Works
- Potatoes Add Moisture: Adding mashed potatoes to the dough provides extra moisture, giving the bread a soft, tender crumb and helping it stay fresh longer.
- Natural Sweetness: Potatoes have a natural sweetness that complements the mild flavors of the bread, enhancing its taste without additional sugar.
- Extra Tenderness: The starch from the potatoes gives the bread a fluffier texture, making each slice perfect for sandwiches or buttered toast.
- Extended Shelf Life: Potato bread stays soft and fresh for several days, unlike some other homemade breads that may dry out faster.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed potatoes (from about 1 large potato, peeled and boiled until tender)
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C, ideal for activating yeast)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (adds richness to the dough)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet, ensures a good rise)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (feeds the yeast and adds slight sweetness)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (adds flavor and tenderness)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (for flavor balance)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed for dough consistency)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for an optional egg wash, gives a shiny crust)
How to Make Homemade Potato Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the Potato: Start by peeling and cutting a large potato into chunks. Boil in salted water until very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the Potato: Drain and mash the potato until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps that could affect the bread’s texture. Let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
- Mix Yeast, Water, and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to work.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed potatoes, warm milk, softened butter, and salt. Stir until well-combined.
- Add Yeast Mixture: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Adjust flour if needed.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but shouldn’t stick to your hands. Add more flour only if the dough is too sticky, as too much can make the bread dense.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- Punch Down: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release trapped air. Turn it onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
- Place in Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the shaped dough into the pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a towel and allow the dough to rise for another 30-45 minutes until it has doubled in size.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Optional Egg Wash: For a shiny, golden-brown crust, brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top is browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your homemade potato bread with butter, as toast, or as a sandwich base.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Check the Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date and confirming it foams during activation.
- Monitor Dough Texture: The dough should be soft and elastic. Avoid adding too much flour, as it can result in a dense bread.
- Perfect Rising Environment: If your kitchen is cool, you can let the dough rise in a warm oven (preheat for a few minutes, then turn it off).
- Shaping Tips: For an even shape, roll the dough gently into a loaf form and press down any large air bubbles before placing it in the pan.
Serving Suggestions
Potato bread is versatile and pairs well with various meals and flavors:
- Breakfast Toast: Toast it and serve with butter, jam, or avocado for a hearty breakfast.
- Sandwiches: Use it for sandwiches, especially those with strong flavors like grilled cheese, BLTs, or chicken salad.
- Soup Side: Serve it alongside creamy soups, like potato leek, tomato basil, or butternut squash, to soak up every last bit.
- With a Spread: Try it with homemade butter, honey, or garlic spread for an indulgent treat.
Serving Size & Yield
This recipe yields one 9×5-inch loaf, which provides about 10-12 slices, depending on thickness. Perfect for small families or individuals who love homemade bread!
Time Estimates
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: About 3 hours
This recipe requires patience during the rise times but rewards you with a soft, flavorful loaf perfect for many meals. Enjoy your homemade potato bread fresh from the oven or toasted the next day—it’s sure to be a new favorite in your kitchen!