This soft and fluffy bread made with yogurt is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to soups and stews. Its mild tanginess from the yogurt adds depth to its flavor, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Preparation Time
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1.5 hours
- Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- Water: ⅔ cup (160 ml), lukewarm
- Fresh Yeast: 1 tsp (3 g) (or dry yeast: ½ tsp, 2 g)
- Plain Yogurt: ¼ cup (60 g)
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tsp
- Bread Flour: 2 ½ cups (320 g)
- Salt: 1 tsp (6 g)
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water with yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and salt. Mix well.
- Add the yogurt, vegetable oil, and the activated yeast mixture.
3. Knead the Dough
- Mix until the dough begins to come together. Turn it onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf or desired form. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or into a greased loaf pan.
6. Second Rise
- Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes until it doubles in size.
7. Bake
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Bake the bread for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as toast with butter, jam, or honey for breakfast.
- Use as sandwich bread for a fresh and tangy base.
- Pair with soups or stews for a hearty meal.
- Enjoy with dips like hummus or baba ghanoush.
- Slice and use for French toast or bread pudding.
Cooking Tips
- Use lukewarm water for activating the yeast; too hot will kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough thoroughly for a light and airy texture.
- For a richer flavor, brush the top of the bread with melted butter before baking.
- Add herbs or seeds to the dough for additional flavor and texture.
- Ensure the dough is not over-proofed; it should spring back slightly when poked.
Nutritional Benefits
- Yogurt: Adds protein and calcium, supporting bone health.
- Bread Flour: Provides energy and essential B vitamins.
- Low Fat: Uses minimal oil, making it a healthier bread option.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains no meat or fish.
- Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
- Customizable: Add seeds, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, 10 slices)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or bread box for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Extend freshness by storing in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Fluffy: Perfect for all kinds of meals.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples.
- Quick to Prepare: Easy kneading and baking process.
- Customizable: Add seeds, herbs, or sweet toppings.
- Nutritious and Light: Low fat with added calcium from yogurt.
Conclusion
This Soft Yogurt Bread is a simple, versatile recipe that delivers delicious, homemade bread perfect for any occasion. Its mild flavor and fluffy texture make it a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try this recipe and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread at home!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but replace only half to maintain softness.
- What type of yogurt works best? Plain, unsweetened yogurt provides the best flavor.
- Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, use the same quantity as fresh yeast.
- How do I know when the bread is fully baked? It should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Can I make this bread dairy-free? Substitute yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut or soy yogurt.
- What if I don’t have bread flour? Use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly less chewy.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, simply double all ingredients proportionally.
- What other flavors can I add? Try adding garlic, rosemary, or sesame seeds for variation.
- Can I bake this bread in a bread machine? Yes, use the dough setting and bake according to the machine’s instructions.
- How long should I let the dough rise? Until it doubles in size, usually 1–1.5 hours for the first rise and 30–45 minutes for the second