A fully baked bread product is provided which can be stored for extended periods
of time and which retains its desirable soft texture for the shelf life (e.g.,
at least about 3 months) of the product if maintained under a modified atmosphere
(i.e., low oxygen and preferably inert gas) at refrigerated conditions (i.e., about
35 to about 45 F.). The fully baked bread is prepared from dough comprising,
in baker's percentages, about 100 pounds flour, about 0.75 to about 3.5 pounds
salt, about 0.2 to about 1 pounds microbial inhibitor, about 0 to about 3 pounds
gluten, about 1 to about 5 pounds leavening agent, about 0.1 to about 1 pound enzyme,
about 9 to 18 pounds high fructose corn syrup, about 3 to about 10 pounds shortening,
about 0.1 to about 3 pounds mono- and diglycerides, and about 45 to about 60 pounds
of water.