This homemade bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and tastes much better than store-bought bread. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this fail-proof recipe will give you delicious results every time!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- Warm water: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Warm milk: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Dry yeast: 7 g (about 2¼ tsp)
- Butter: 50 g (softened)
- Wheat flour: 750-800 g (6-6½ cups, sifted)
- Sunflower oil: for greasing
Directions
- Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
- Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough
- Add softened butter, salt, and 750 g of sifted flour to the yeast mixture.
- Mix with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on a stand mixer until a soft dough forms.
- Gradually add more flour (up to 800 g total) if the dough is too sticky.
- Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise
- Lightly grease a large bowl with sunflower oil and place the dough inside.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts if making smaller loaves.
- Shape each portion into a loaf and place in greased bread pans or shape them free-form on a baking sheet.
- Second Rise
- Cover the loaves with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
- Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter and jam for a comforting breakfast.
- Use as the base for sandwiches or burgers.
- Pair with soups, stews, or casseroles for a hearty meal.
- Toast slices and spread with cream cheese, peanut butter, or honey.
- Make homemade French toast or garlic bread.
Cooking Tips
- Use warm liquids (not hot!) to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts.
- Brush the top of the bread with butter after baking for a soft crust.
- Store leftovers properly to keep the bread fresh.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in carbohydrates – Provides energy.
- Source of fiber – Helps digestion (especially if using whole wheat flour).
- Protein from milk and butter – Supports muscle growth and repair.
- No preservatives or additives – Healthier than store-bought bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Simple ingredients, easy method
✔ Soft, fluffy, and homemade goodness
✔ Customizable – add seeds, herbs, or whole grains
✔ No artificial preservatives
✔ Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or sides
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes! You can replace up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, heartier bread.
- How do I store homemade bread?
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices for up to 3 months.
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
- Yes! Use 21 g (3 times more) of fresh yeast instead of 7 g of dry yeast.
- How do I make the crust softer?
- Brush the warm bread with butter right after baking.
- Can I make this bread dairy-free?
- Yes! Replace milk with water and butter with vegetable oil.
Conclusion
This homemade bread recipe is easy, foolproof, and deliciously soft. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, sandwiches, or just to enjoy warm with butter, this simple bread recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy baking and share the warmth of freshly made bread with your loved ones! 🍞✨