Potato bread is a timeless culinary masterpiece, blending the humble potato’s rustic charm with the delicate art of bread-making. Rooted in history, this versatile bread was a staple during times of scarcity, when potatoes were often used to stretch limited flour supplies. Over the years, it has evolved into a cherished comfort food, celebrated for its soft, fluffy texture and subtly sweet flavor.

Classic Potato Bread isn’t just a bread—it’s a culinary experience. The inclusion of cooked potato and potato water gives it an unbeatable moistness, while the yeast brings it to life with a pillowy rise. This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter. It’s as practical as it is delicious, and its legacy continues to thrive in kitchens worldwide.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe provides a wonderful opportunity to create a homemade loaf that embodies warmth, tradition, and flavor. Let’s dive into the details!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Cooking the Potato

• 1 medium russet potato
• ½ cup potato water (reserved from cooking the potato)

Dough

• 1 ½ cups whole milk (warmed)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 ½ – 6 cups all-purpose flour

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for rising)
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes

Steps to Make Classic Potato Bread

Step 1: Cook the Potato

1. Peel the russet potato and chop it into small chunks.
2. Place the potato pieces in a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Cook until the potato is fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potato, reserving ½ cup of the potato water. Allow both the potato and water to cool slightly.
4. Mash the potato until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

1. Warm the milk to about 100–110°F (37–43°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Step 3: Make the Dough

1. Add the mashed potato, reserved potato water, canola oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
2. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring after each addition. When the dough becomes too stiff to stir, transfer it to a floured surface.
3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, adding small amounts of flour as needed, until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat the surface. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
2. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf.
2. Place the loaves into greased loaf pans or shape them into rounds on a baking sheet.
3. Cover again and let rise for 30 minutes, or until the dough rises just above the edges of the pans.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the loaves from the pans and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
2. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 2.5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

Servings

This recipe makes 2 loaves, with approximately 12-14 slices per loaf.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Potato bread is steeped in history, originating as a practical solution during lean times. Its unique texture, slight sweetness, and long shelf life made it a favorite among households. The inclusion of potatoes not only made the bread more economical but also added moisture and softness, which extended its freshness.

Today, potato bread remains a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients. It’s versatile, adaptable, and universally loved. Whether you’re making sandwiches, French toast, or just enjoying it with a spread of butter, potato bread fits effortlessly into modern kitchens while carrying the essence of tradition.