Homemade Kefir Bread - A Bread Machine Recipe

How many of you have had kefir?  To be honest, even though I had seen it in stores, I really didn't pay any attention to it.

Then the other day, my sister texted me and asked if I wanted all the ingredients to make kefir.  The catch?  It had to be made immediately.  So before I said yes, I started doing some research online.  I realized that it wasn't that hard to make, and it was very good for you, so I said yes!

Once you get started making kefir, it just keeps going.  The grains grow or expand and you can use them over and over.  In fact, once they get to a certain size, you can even share them with friends.  You can see how to make kefir by watching my YouTube video.

Kefir is a great probiotic.  Like yogurt it provides the good bacteria needed in your gut.  In fact, it is even more powerful than yogurt!  It also provides great nutrients that your body needs like protein, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and so on.  It also has antibacterial properties and can help aid in bone health.  The list goes on and on.

I decided that I wanted to do something different with the kefir.  I love bread.  I know there are different ideas on whether or not bread is good for you, but there is just no way that I can ever do without it.  So why not try and make it as healthy as possible? 

For the ingredients, I use a non GMO unbleached white flour, a non GMO evaporated can juice sugar, grassfed butter, and homemade kefir.  My salt and yeast are plain janes. :-)

Kefir bread ingredients...if you look real close you can see a tomato and cucumber peeking out.

For my ancient bread machine (which still works so hey, why get a new one?) I need to put the wet ingredients in first, then the dry, with the yeast on top.  I then select the "Normal" bread machine setting and push start.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

The cycle takes 2 hours and 40 minutes.  It was the longest time of my life.  The aroma of the bread baking was so good, I couldn't wait.

And then, it made the prettiest loaf!  I usually use a standard bread machine recipe, and last night when I wanted to make some bread, I couldn't find my old stand by recipe.  So I used the basic ingredients that I always use, only added in kefir.  Also my standard recipe calls for shortening, which is why I used the butter.  I did cut down on the yeast a little bit because the kefir also helps with the rising. 

Can't wait to eat a slice!

I had to wait till the morning to actually slice into this loaf and taste it.  I love the texture!  It is dense, but light and soft.  It will make a great sandwich bread.  You can actually taste the kefir in it and it reminds me a little of sourdough.  It is soooo good!

I hope you enjoy this recipe and let me know below how you use kefir.

To get the print version of the recipe, click HERE.

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