Mom's Casserole Bread

Submitted by Chef Come Lately

"A yeasty, single rise, white bread baked in a casserole bowl. This was my mother's go-to recipe to accompany a hearty soup, stew, or chili. Good for a pot-luck dinner. I've been known to pair it with a strong cheese and nice wine.. for a romantic picnic."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 55mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Yields: 1 round loaf
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 2 1⁄4 ounces dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
• 4 cups unsifted flour

directions

1. Using a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Stir in sugar, salt, softened butter or margarine, and 3 cups of the flour. Blend until smooth.
3. Using a wooden spoon, beat in remaining cup of flour.
4. Cover bowl with wax paper, or plastic wrap. loosely. Not tight. Let bowl sit in warm, dry place , out of a draft, to rise for about 45 minutes. It will more than double in bulk.
5. Again using a wooden spoon, beat down the mixture for about a half minute. Place in a greased glass or ceramic bowl for baking.
6. Bake at 375°F for 50 - 55 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and cool on rack for a few minutes. Pop out of bowl, and let cool a bit more. Serve warm in wedges with butter. or your favorite soup, stew, or chili. Or maybe with a hunk of great cheese and a bottle of wine!