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Heavenly Whole Wheat Potato Bread (Bread Machine)

I can still smell it – the warm, earthy aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen window on a crisp autumn day. She always made a loaf of her famous whole wheat potato bread, the crust a beautiful golden brown, and the inside soft and slightly sweet. It was the perfect accompaniment to her hearty vegetable soup, and those simple meals are some of my fondest childhood memories. This recipe, adapted from hers, brings back that comforting feeling every time.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (Including bread machine cycles)
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 loaf
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 1/8 cups warm water (90 degrees)
4 tablespoons butter, or margarine, softened and cut into pieces
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup dry instant potato flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Equipment Needed

Bread Machine

Instructions

Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready to use.
Carefully measure out 1 1/8 cups of warm water, ensuring it is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Too hot and you risk killing the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
Add the warm water to the bread machine pan.
Next, add 4 tablespoons of softened butter (or margarine) to the pan, cutting it into pieces helps it distribute evenly during the mixing process. It’s important that the butter is softened for a better texture.
Measure 2 cups of whole wheat flour and add it to the pan on top of the water and butter.
Add 1 cup of bread flour to the pan. Using bread flour, which has a higher gluten content, helps to give the loaf a better structure and rise.
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Be precise with the salt measurement, as it controls the yeast activity and contributes to the overall flavor.
Add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. The sugar provides food for the yeast and helps with browning.
Measure 1/4 cup of dry instant potato flakes and add them to the pan. These add a subtle sweetness and softness to the bread.
Finally, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast to the pan. Make sure the yeast is fresh for the best results.
Place the bread machine pan into the bread machine.
Select the “basic” bread setting.
Choose the “light” crust setting for a softer crust. If you prefer a darker, crispier crust, select the “medium” setting.
Select the “1 1/2 pound” loaf size setting.
Start the bread machine. The machine will mix, knead, allow the dough to rise, and then bake the bread automatically.
Once the bread machine cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine.
Remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a cooling rack. Allowing the bread to cool slightly before slicing prevents it from becoming gummy.
Let the bread cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Note: This bread can be made using the “delay” timer setting, allowing you to set the bread machine to start baking at a later time. This is perfect for having fresh bread ready in the morning or when you get home from work.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even softer crumb, try using milk powder in addition to the potato flakes. Add about 2 tablespoons of nonfat dry milk powder along with the potato flakes.
If your bread machine tends to produce a crust that is too hard, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the ingredients. This helps to soften the crust.
Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal yeast activity.
If you live in a very dry climate, you may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of water to the dough. Watch the dough as it mixes and adjust accordingly. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
To ensure even mixing, add the yeast last and away from the salt.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This whole wheat potato bread is delicious served warm with butter, alongside a hearty soup, or as a base for sandwiches. It’s especially good toasted with a smear of honey.

To store, allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in a bread bag. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, toast frozen slices directly from the freezer or thaw at room temperature and then toast or warm in the oven.

Nutritional Information

Estimates. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	158 kcal	8%
Total Fat	4.5 g	6%
Saturated Fat	2.5 g	13%
Cholesterol	10.2 mg	3%
Sodium	327.3 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	26.7 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	2.6 g	10%
Sugars	3.3 g	7%
Protein	4.1 g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

Sweeter Bread: Increase the granulated sugar to 4 tablespoons for a slightly sweeter loaf.
Herbed Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the ingredients for an herbed flavor.
Seeded Bread: Add 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds to the dough for added texture and nutrition.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free version.
Spelt Flour: Replace up to 1 cup of the whole wheat flour with spelt flour for a slightly nutty flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my bread dense and not rising properly?

A: This could be due to several factors, including old or inactive yeast, too much salt, or not enough water. Make sure your yeast is fresh, measure ingredients accurately, and ensure the water is at the correct temperature (around 90 degrees F).

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

A: While you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour, the bread may not rise as high, and the texture may be slightly different due to the lower gluten content in all-purpose flour.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from becoming too hard?

A: Using the “light” crust setting on your bread machine will help prevent the crust from becoming too hard. You can also try adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the ingredients.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?

A: Yes, this bread freezes well. Allow the bread to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: My bread has a large hole in the top. What could be the cause?

A: This is usually caused by too much yeast. Double-check the measurement of the yeast to ensure you are using the correct amount.

Final Thoughts

Baking bread is one of life’s simple joys. This Heavenly Whole Wheat Potato Bread recipe, adapted for the convenience of a bread machine, brings the warmth and comfort of homemade bread to your table with ease. I encourage you to try it, experiment with the variations, and share the joy of freshly baked bread with your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or as part of a delicious sandwich, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Heavenly Whole Wheat Potato Bread (Bread Machine) Recipe