Krusteaz Country White Bread Mix, 14-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12)

We were very upset when this became unavailable during the "Pandemic"! We have been waiting ever since to buy again. It's not looking good for that. I hope it doesn't just become discontinued. We like this one best. We bought the Hawaiian and sour dough also but prefer the beer bread.

There really isn't much that I don't like about rural living except....for running out of bread and having to take a 40 minute trip to the store for a loaf. And, this year it has been exceptionally cold with wind chills to a minus 45. I saw this bread mix advertised on Amazon and read the reviews. The questions that were asked by other customers answered mine. My question was whether it only worked in a bread machine. And, the answer is no. The quantity of 12 seemed excessive but the expiration date is April of 2016 so plenty of time to make some bread. There are also 3 different recipes for different types depending on your preference. The one I made today is called the 'No Knead Artisan Bread'. It takes a little longer in wait time, the resting time is also a bit longer and the bake temperature is higher at 450 degrees. It says to bake for 21 to 23 minutes or until the crust is dark brown and firm to the touch. I took it out at 22 minutes and it was cooked perfectly. All of these recipes are for no knead bread. There are also a couple for bread machines if you use one of those.I will try the loaf bread next time and edit this review to show the results.All in all, I am happy with this bread mix and the first piece was really excellent. No more trips to the store in the dead of winter for a loaf of bread for me. I should also mention that this is an excellent price.Will try and attach a few pictures so you will be able to see the bread in process. The first one shows it right after adding the water and the yeast; the second shows it after it has rested for 40 minutes on the greased baking tin and cut to allow steam to escape and the third is the finished product. I am changing the order and putting the finished product first in case only one picture appears...Most highly recommended for both taste and value.

Leave it to Krusteaz to make something so simple taste this good. I made this with a Bud light to go with a crab boil and it was a lighter, somewhat sweeter beer bread that was perfect. I made a loaf using Guinness to go with some grilled New York strips and it was a darker, more savory loaf that matched the steaks beautifully. The price is perfect at under $2 a box plus the free shipping with Prime (thx Amazon). Just preheat the oven to 375°, melt 4-6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stir 12oz of beer into the mix, pour half the butter in a loaf pan, put mix into pan, pour other half of butter over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes (47 for me) and you get a gorgeous, highly addictive loaf of bread that's freshly made. Even though 12 boxes sounds like a lot you'll find you're making 2 at a time because everyone is eating it so quickly.

I've purchased this mix at a supermarket before and had no issues with it, and found it available on Amazon for the same or less. I was nervous about buying a bulk pack through Amazon that the expiration date would be too soon to reasonably eat them, but I was pleased when the pack came with an expiration of >12 months.These mixes are very simple to use and are pretty much foolproof. I tend to enjoy clearing out the strange holiday beer varieties that I wouldn't want to drink normally - they turn into pretty nice bread that goes well with a nice soup or stew, adding a bit of flavor depth and richness that biscuits or yeast breads don't always have. However, probably my favorite carbonated beverage to use is hard cider - there are so many flavor varieties nowadays from craft and national brands.No matter what I use, the bread always comes out looking and tasting great.

I have been using this for several years, always get raves at pot lucks. No measuring, just add the beer or other carbonated beverage and you are done. I have also made it as a sweet bread, using 7-Up or Fresca and adding candied fruit and nuts....an easy holiday treat. I just wish it didn't go out of stock so often!

I used the dough cycle in my Zojirushi 2 lb. bread machine, and baked it at 400° for 30 minutes in my Italian bead pan. It was perfect! The crust was crispy, and the interior was fine textured but not too soft to be a rustic type loaf. I did turn the loaf over after about 20 minutes in the oven so it would be crispy on the bottom also. I also used about 2 tbs. less water than called for. I did check the dough occasionally as it kneaded, and it was bouncy and smooth as it should be. I add a 1/2 tsp. of dough conditioner to all my yeast loaves for a better rise and finer texture. I waited until the bread was cooled before slicing and eating because any bread tastes good warm, but the real test is when the bread has cooled down. This loaf was absolutely delicious.I'll try making it as a sandwich style loaf, too, and maybe rolls . But tonight I needed a crispy crusted rustic bread to have with an Italian type soup, and this loaf was perfect.

We have tried a lot of beer bread mixes & always come back to this brand. It is so simple to mix up & bake. It comes out perfect & moist every time. The key to great flavored beer bread is the beer. You HAVE to use a good beer or the flavor will be lacking. People blame the mix for lack of flavor, it the beer not the mix. We use Widmer Brothers Hef. I slather butter over the top after it comes out of the oven. An additional delicious trick for the top I've learned from restaurant beer bread is to mix Panko Bread crumbs with some butter & sprinkle over the top before baking.