Old Fashioned Hobo Bread

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By a show of hands, who here loves bread? There’s no denying that bread is delicious, and we’re not talking about the bread that you buy from the store. One of our favorite recipes is this Old Fashioned Hobo Bread and we think you’re going to love it, too!

Be sure to check out my Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread for another easy homemade bread recipe that everyone will chow down on.

how to make hobo bread

What is old-fashioned hobo bread?

Sometimes referred to as “bread in a can,” hobo bread was quite popular during your grandparent’s, or possibly great grandparents, maybe even parents, days. Depending on your age, you may have enjoyed it as well! Hobo bread has been around so long, that it actually dates all the way back to the pioneers! It has been popular for generations and is easy to prepare!

My family has made this recipe for a long time and it is honestly one of my favorite vintage family bread recipes. You’ll love the slight sweetness paired with the fluffy texture that we all love and know.

Are you ready to make your very first hobo bread recipe? You’re going to love how simple and easy it is!

hobo bread on a cutting board

Ingredients to make Hobo Bread

1 (¼ oz.) packet of Active Dry Yeast
1 tablespoon of Honey
¼ cup of Warm Water
5 cups of Unbleached Bread Flour
2 teaspoons of Salt
2 tablespoons of Canola or Vegetables Oil
1 cup of water for kneading
PLUS you will also need cans

how to make homemade hobo bread - ingredients

How to Make Bread in a Can

Microwave ¼ cup of water for 10 seconds. The water should be warm to the touch and not hot. Use a thermometer to keep it between 105 to 110 F.

Add the honey and stir to dissolve it.

adding the honey to the bread

Now add the yeast and let it activate for 5 minutes. It will be frothy after 5 minutes.

letting the yeast froth

Meanwhile, sift together the flour and salt.

Add the oil, yeast mixture, and a cup of water.

adding the water to the flour

Mix together with a wooden spoon until it comes together into a shaggy dough.

mixing to make hobo bread dough

Dump it all on a well-floured counter and knead for 10 to 12 minutes till it forms into a smooth and elastic dough. To knead, simply fold the dough and then press with the heel of your palm.

letting the dough raise in a bowl

Place the dough into a well-oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Let it rise at room temperature for 2 hours or until it doubles in size.

letting the dough raise in a plastic covered bowl

Punch down the dough and knead for another 2 to 3 minutes, and then let it rest for ten more minutes.

Divide the dough into two and shape them into little logs.

splitting the dough in two

Generously grease 2 BPA-free cans. We used a family-sized soup (22.4 oz.) can.

Place the dough into the can and let it proof for another 30 minutes.

putting the dough in bread cans

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Once the bread is proofed the second time, place it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. You might have to cover the top with foil if it’s browning too fast.

cooking the bread in cans

The bread is done when the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Let the bread cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

This hobo bread tastes best warm and is served with homemade butter.

slice of bread in a can

How to know when the bread is done baking

Make sure that you pay close attention to the bread while it’s baking. Since you can’t see inside the can, the biggest indicator that the bread is done and ready to be pulled from the oven is that the top starts to turn golden brown.

I also trust my nose a lot when baking! Once I smell it, I know that it’s super close to being ready!

How do you get the bread out of the can?

If you’re worried that you’re not going to be able to remove the bread from the can, this is where greasing the can beforehand is key!

Make sure that you let the bread cool down a bit before attempting to remove it from the can. You can also take a butter knife and run it around the edges as well.

Can you freeze baked bread?

You bet! One of the best ways to not have to stress out about the bread going bad or molding is to freeze it for later. You can slice it and add it to the freezer or freeze it whole. The choice is yours.

how to make bread in a can

What toppings taste best on homemade bread?

I’m a huge fan of good ol’ bread and butter. The kids prefer sprinkling some cinnamon and sugar on top. Don’t forget that you can easily add homemade jellies or jams. Oh, and another favorite in our house is honey. Regardless of what tickles your fancy, you’re going to love this bread.

Try it paired with some of your favorite soups.

Let me know what you think about this easy bread recipe. It’s one of our favorites to make because it’s so simple and delicious!

More Easy Bread Recipes

No matter if you’re looking for sweet or savory bread, I’ve got you covered with these yummy bread recipes!