This traditional Swedish Brown Bread is a comforting staple that brings warmth to any meal. The combination of dark molasses and bacon fat creates a uniquely rich flavor profile and a tender, moist crumb. The bread has a beautiful dark hue and a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with butter, cheese, or as a side to hearty soups and stews. It is perfect for weekend baking when you have time to let the dough rise slowly, developing complex flavors. The aroma of baking molasses and yeast will fill your kitchen with inviting scents. This bread freezes well, making it easy to have fresh slices on hand throughout the week. It is a simple yet rewarding recipe that highlights humble ingredients to create something truly special. Serve warm from the oven for the best experience, allowing the steam to soften the crust and highlight the moist interior.
Swedish Brown Bread
Description
This traditional Swedish Brown Bread is a comforting staple that brings warmth to any meal. The combination of dark molasses and bacon fat creates a uniquely rich flavor profile and a tender, moist crumb. The bread has a beautiful dark hue and a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with butter, cheese, or as a side to hearty soups and stews. It is perfect for weekend baking when you have time to let the dough rise slowly, developing complex flavors. The aroma of baking molasses and yeast will fill your kitchen with inviting scents. This bread freezes well, making it easy to have fresh slices on hand throughout the week. It is a simple yet rewarding recipe that highlights humble ingredients to create something truly special. Serve warm from the oven for the best experience, allowing the steam to soften the crust and highlight the moist interior.Ingredients
Directions
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Combine water, milk, bacon fat, and molasses in a large saucepan or bowl.
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Heat the mixture until it is lukewarm, approximately 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
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In a large mixing bowl, sift together 4 cups of flour, sugar, and salt.
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Sprinkle the dry yeast evenly over the flour mixture.
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Pour in the lukewarm liquid mixture and beat with a mixer until the batter is smooth.
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Gradually add the remaining 5 cups of flour, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and no longer sticky.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough to release air bubbles and knead briefly.
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Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each into a loaf.
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Place the loaves in greased bread pans, cover, and let rise again until doubled in bulk.
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Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163&# 194;°C) for 1 hour, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
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Remove from oven and immediately rub the tops with butter for a soft crust.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 32
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 221.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4.3g7%
- Saturated Fat 1.9g10%
- Cholesterol 5.8mg2%
- Sodium 183.5mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 46.6g16%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 46.5g
- Protein 6.9g14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Bacon fat adds a distinctive savory depth to this bread. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or vegetable oil, though the flavor will be milder.
Ensure the liquid mixture is lukewarm, not hot, before adding the yeast. Water that is too hot will kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
For a softer crust, cover the loaves with a clean kitchen towel while they cool. This traps the steam and keeps the exterior tender.
This bread stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the cooled bread and freeze in a plastic bag for up to 3 months. Toast directly from frozen.
The rise times can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. If your kitchen is cool, place the covered bowl in the turned-off oven with just the light on to create a warm environment.
