Homemade Potato Bread Recipe

 

Easy Homemade Potato Bread Recipe: Soft, Fluffy, and Moist Loaf

Craving a loaf of bread that's incredibly soft, moist, and perfect for sandwiches or toast? This homemade potato bread recipe is your ultimate comfort bake! Incorporating mashed potatoes into the dough creates an extra tender crumb that stays fresh longer than traditional bread, with a subtle sweetness and fluffy texture. Ready in about 3-4 hours (including rising time), this beginner-friendly recipe uses simple pantry staples and yields one large loaf or two smaller ones. Whether you're searching for an easy potato bread recipe, a soft mashed potato loaf, or a WWII-era inspired bread for budget baking, this classic will become a family favorite.

Potato bread has roots in resourceful cooking, like during wartime when potatoes stretched flour supplies, and remains popular for its moisture-retaining qualities. Let's get baking!

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How to Make Potato Bread

What Is Homemade Potato Bread?

Homemade potato bread is a enriched yeast bread where mashed potatoes are added to the dough, resulting in a soft, pillowy loaf with a tender crumb and mild flavor. Unlike plain white bread, the potatoes add natural moisture and starch, preventing dryness and extending shelf life—ideal for sandwiches, French toast, or slathered with butter. Popular in Irish and American baking traditions, it's often made with russet potatoes for their starchy content, creating air pockets for lightness. This bread is naturally egg-free in many versions, can be dairy-free with swaps, and is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. It's denser than brioche but fluffier than whole wheat, making it versatile for everyday meals.

Ingredients for Homemade Potato Bread

This recipe serves about 12 slices in one loaf, using affordable ingredients. Adjust for two loaves by doubling.

• 1 large russet potato (about 12 oz or 340g), peeled and cubed
• 2 cups (475ml) milk (whole for richness, or plant-based for vegan)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast (or active dry, proofed)
• 4-5 cups (480-600g) all-purpose or bread flour
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp salt
• Optional: 1 egg for extra tenderness, or herbs like rosemary for flavor

Reserve potato cooking water for the dough to enhance starch content and moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Homemade Potato Bread

Follow this straightforward method for foolproof results. Prep time: 20 minutes | Rise time: 2 hours | Bake time: 40-45 minutes.

1. Cook the Potatoes: Boil the cubed potato in water until tender (10-15 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup liquid. Mash the potato until smooth and let cool slightly.
2. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, dissolve yeast in warm milk (or reserved potato water) with sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
3. Mix the Dough: Add mashed potato, butter, salt, and 3 cups flour. Mix until combined, then add remaining flour gradually. Knead for 8-10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Shape and Second Rise: Punch down dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased 9x5-inch pan. Cover and rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 190°F. Cool on a wire rack.

theperfectloaf.com

Sourdough Potato Bread | The Perfect Loaf

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Potato Bread

• Potato Choice: Use starchy russets for best moisture; avoid waxy varieties.
• Dough Consistency: It should be slightly sticky—over-flouring makes it dense.
• Make-Ahead: Prep dough the night before and refrigerate for slow rise.
• Storage: Wrap tightly for 3-4 days; freeze slices for up to a month.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free flour blend, but texture may vary.
• Common Mistakes: Don't overbake—tent with foil if browning too fast.

Variations on Homemade Potato Bread

• Herb-Infused: Add rosemary and garlic for a savory twist.
• Whole Wheat: Swap half the flour for whole wheat for nuttiness.
• Sweet Potato: Use mashed sweet potatoes for a sweeter loaf.
• Rolls: Shape into buns for soft potato rolls.
• Vegan Version: Use plant milk and vegan butter.
• Cheesy: Fold in cheddar during kneading.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why add potatoes to bread?

Potatoes add starch for moisture, keeping the bread soft and fresh longer.

Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

Yes, but fresh mashed provide better texture—use about 1 cup rehydrated.

How do I know when the bread is done?

It should sound hollow when tapped and reach 190°F internally.

Is potato bread gluten-free?

No, but substitute with gluten-free flour for an adaptation.

attainable-sustainable.net

Homemade Potato Bread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Homemade Potato Bread

This easy homemade potato bread is soft, flavorful, and versatile—a budget-friendly bake that's better than store-bought. With its moist crumb and simple prep, it's perfect for everyday or special occasions. Bake a loaf today and enjoy the homemade goodness!

Share your potato bread creations in the comments. Happy baking!