A golden, round bread loaf on a wooden board, with a deep, alluring crust crackling on the outside, revealing a soft yellow interior studded with specks of orange squash. A few scattered autumn leaves for the aesthetic, and a small turquoise dish of whipped miso butter on the side.

Autumn Squash-Miso Japanese Bread

Name: Autumn Squash-Miso Japanese Bread
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: Winter Squash, 1 small (about 1/2 cup pureed) pureed; All-Purpose Flour, 2 cups; Sugar, 1 tablespoon; Salt, 1 teaspoon; Active Dry Yeast, 1 tablespoon; White Miso Paste, 1 tablespoon; Milk, 1/4 cup; Egg, 1; unsalted Butter, 2 tablespoons; Sesame Seeds, 1/2 teaspoon (for topping) for topping

Category Brunch

Prep 60 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style Japanese

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: September 02, 2025

Embrace the autumn spirit with this vibrant and fluffy Japanese squash bread. This recipe takes the humble winter squash and infuses it in the comfort of freshly baked bread, creating a wonderfully moist, slightly sweet loaf with a beautiful golden hue. Squash is not only a cliche element of autumn but also a wonderfully versatile vegetable and an integral part of the Japanese cuisine. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs wonderfully with the savoriness add by miso.

Ingredients (for 2)

Winter squash - 1 small (about 1/2 cup pureed) - pureed
All-purpose flour - 2 cups
Sugar - 1 tablespoon
Salt - 1 teaspoon
Active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon
White miso paste - 1 tablespoon
Milk - 1/4 cup
Egg - 1
Unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons
Sesame seeds - 1/2 teaspoon (for topping) - for topping

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔪 🎃 👩‍🍳

Cut the squash into halves and remove the seeds. Bake it at 375°F for about 40 minutes until it is soft. Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and puree it
Step 2 - 🍚 🧂 🍽️

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast
Step 3 - 🍚 🥣 🥢

In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of squash puree with the miso paste
Step 4 - 🥛 🍼 🥄

Warm the milk slightly and add it to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is combined
Step 5 - 🥚 🥄 🍳

Add the squash-miso mix, egg, and the softened butter into the dough. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic
Step 6 - ⏳ 🌡️ 🍞

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size
Step 7 - 🌡️ 👊 🍪

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet
Step 8 - 🥯 🥄 ⏲️

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the dough and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until it's golden brown
Step 9 - ⏳ 🔪 🍽️

Allow the bread to cool before slicing it. Serve it up with miso butter or your choice of spreads. Enjoy!

Additional

Traditionally, this bread is served during the Japanese tea ceremony, but it's perfect for a special brunch or a sweet afternoon snack with tea or coffee. If you're up for variations, consider adding some nuts for texture or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra autumnal touch. Kids will love punching down the dough and helping shape the loaf!