1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and dice the potato, then place it in a saucepan filled with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potato is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain and mash the potato until smooth. Let it cool slightly before using in the dough.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir until the yeast dissolves, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the mashed potato, melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture.
- Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. You can knead it by hand for about 10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but manageable.
3. First Rise:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough gently for a minute, then shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller portions if you prefer rolls.
- Grease a loaf pan or baking sheet with oil and place the shaped dough into the pan.
5. Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped dough again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 30-40 minutes, or until it has puffed up significantly.
6. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is undergoing its second rise.
7. Egg Wash and Bake:
- Once the dough has risen, brush the top with the beaten egg to give the bread a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes (for a loaf) or 15-20 minutes (for rolls), or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve the potato bread warm with butter, jam, or any of your favorite breakfast toppings.
Serving Suggestions:
Potato bread is perfect for breakfast, either on its own or as the base for:
- Breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, or cheese.
- French toast for a delicious twist.
- Toasted with butter and your favorite spread (honey, peanut butter, or fruit preserves).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The addition of mashed potatoes gives this bread its incredible softness, making it a wonderful choice for a comforting breakfast. It’s easy to make, and the bread stays soft and tender for days, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick morning bite.
Enjoy the rich, fluffy texture of homemade potato bread, and start your mornings on a delicious note!