Do you love soft, warm and slightly sweet bread? Then this Portuguese Bread Recipe is perfect for you.
Portuguese bread is light, fluffy and has a slightly sweet crust. It is great for sandwiches, breakfast or just eating fresh from the oven.
Making it at home is easier than you think. This recipe will teach you how to make Portuguese Bread step by step.
The Ingredients for Portuguese Bread are simple and easy to find. Let’s bake delicious homemade bread today.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made Portuguese bread for a family brunch. The smell of fresh bread filled the kitchen. When I sliced it, the inside was soft and fluffy. The crust was slightly golden and perfect. My family loved it. It was easy to make and tasted better than store-bought bread. Now I bake it often for breakfast or sandwiches. Once you try this recipe, you will love how soft and fresh homemade bread can be.
Recipe Card info Without Table
- Recipe Name: Portuguese Bread
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins (including rising)
- Course: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Portuguese Bread Recipe
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1 egg for brushing
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir well to distribute evenly. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix with a spoon until dough starts to form. - Knead the Dough
Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. - First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise 1 hour until doubled. - Shape the Dough
Punch down the dough. Shape into a round or oval loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet. - Second Rise
Cover loaf with a towel. Let it rise 30 minutes until slightly puffy. - Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush loaf with beaten egg for a shiny crust if desired. - Bake the Bread
Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. - Cool Before Slicing
Remove bread from oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Recipe Tips
- Use warm water for activating yeast; too hot or cold will not work.
- Knead dough well for soft, fluffy bread.
- Cover dough while rising to keep it moist.
- Brush with egg for a golden crust, or use water for softer crust.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve fresh with butter or jam for breakfast. Make sandwiches with deli meats and cheese. Use as dinner rolls with soups or stews.
Toast slices and top with avocado or eggs. Pair with coffee or tea for a light snack.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Tomato soup or vegetable soup
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Fresh salad or coleslaw
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping
- Roast chicken or beef
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store bread at room temperature in an airtight bag for 2–3 days.
- Freeze loaf for up to 1 month. Slice before freezing for convenience.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes.
- Wrap in foil for softening when reheating.
- Avoid storing bread in the fridge; it can dry out quickly.
FAQs about Portuguese Bread Recipe
Q1: Can I make this bread without yeast?
No, yeast is needed for the soft and fluffy texture. You can try baking soda or baking powder recipes but it will be different.
Q2: Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the bread will be denser. You can mix half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Q3: Can I make smaller rolls instead of one loaf?
Yes, divide dough into small pieces and shape into rolls. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Q4: Can I add herbs or cheese to the bread?
Yes, you can mix herbs, garlic, or shredded cheese into the dough for extra flavor.
Q5: Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, follow the bread machine instructions for dough and baking times. Adjust for your machine.
Conclusion
This Portuguese Bread Recipe is soft, fluffy and slightly sweet. Baking at home is simple and rewarding.
Now that you know how to make Portuguese Bread, you can enjoy fresh bread anytime. It is perfect for sandwiches, breakfast or snacks.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the warm, soft and delicious bread your family will love.
Extra Wonderful Recipes
- Fanny Farmer Banana Bread Recipe
- Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- James Beard Persimmon Bread Recipe
- Seeded Rye Bread Recipe
Portuguese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water about 110°F / 43°C
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1 egg for brushing
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir well to distribute evenly.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix with a spoon until dough starts to form.
Knead the Dough
- Turn dough onto a floured surface. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise 1 hour until doubled.
Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough. Shape into a round or oval loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet.
Second Rise
- Cover loaf with a towel. Let it rise 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush loaf with beaten egg for a shiny crust if desired.
Bake the Bread
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Tap the bottom; it should sound hollow.
Cool Before Slicing
- Remove bread from oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use warm water for activating yeast; too hot or cold will not work.
- Knead dough well for soft, fluffy bread.
- Cover dough while rising to keep it moist.
- Brush with egg for a golden crust, or use water for softer crust.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
