The aroma of freshly baked bread fills your home with warmth and holiday cheer. Nothing says "comfort" quite like a homemade loaf, especially during the festive season. But who has time for hours of kneading and proofing when you're busy with holiday preparations? Fear not! This post offers delightful holiday bread recipes perfectly suited for your trusty bread machine, delivering delicious results with minimal effort. These easy recipes are perfect for busy cooks looking for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, ensuring you have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
Cranberry Orange Bliss Bread
This vibrant loaf combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty sweetness of oranges, making it a perfect addition to any holiday table. It's a delicious dish ideal for homemade cooking, and a fantastic gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
- Combine liquids: In the bread machine pan, combine the cranberry juice, warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the salt, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cranberries, and orange zest to the bread machine pan.
- Select the dough cycle: Select the dough cycle on your bread machine and let it run.
- Shape and bake: Once the dough cycle is complete, gently shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Let it rise for about 30-45 minutes in a warm place. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a sweeter loaf, add an extra ¼ cup of sugar.
- Substitute chopped pecans or walnuts for the cranberries.
- Add a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Use fresh cranberries instead of dried, but reduce the amount to ¾ cup.
Spiced Pumpkin Bread
This comforting spiced pumpkin bread is a fall and holiday favorite. It's a healthy meal option and a perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 from the Cranberry Orange Bliss Bread recipe, substituting the listed ingredients for this recipe.
- Shape and bake the dough as instructed in steps 5-7 of the Cranberry Orange Bliss Bread recipe.
Tips and Variations:
- Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
- Top the loaf with a streusel topping before baking.
- Use different spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice):
- Cranberry Orange Bliss Bread: Calories: 200-250, Fat: 8-10g, Protein: 4-5g, Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Spiced Pumpkin Bread: Calories: 220-270, Fat: 10-12g, Protein: 4-5g, Carbohydrates: 35-40g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and easy holiday breads! These best recipes are sure to become family favorites. Remember to adjust baking times based on your specific bread machine and oven. Happy Baking!