Homemade bread is a delightful addition to any meal, filling your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma that invites everyone to gather around the table. This Fluffy Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, you can create a deliciously soft loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. The addition of yogurt and yeast gives this bread its characteristic fluffiness and a hint of tang, making it an exceptional base for any meal. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this mouthwatering bread from scratch!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Milk: 1 cup
• Water: 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons
• Oil: 1/2 cup
• Yogurt: 2 tablespoons
• Yeast: 1 tablespoon (active dry or instant)
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Sugar: 2 teaspoons
• Salt: 1 1/4 teaspoons
• Flour: 4 1/2 cups (all-purpose or bread flour)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. Warm the Liquid Ingredients: In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk and 1/2 cup of water until it’s lukewarm (about 110°F or 43°C). Make sure it’s not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
2. Dissolve the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and water mixture with 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the frothy yeast mixture, 1/2 cup of oil, and 2 tablespoons of yogurt until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Dough

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
6. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Step 4: First Rise

7. Let the Dough Rise: Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Bread

8. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface.
9. Shape the Loaf: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf by flattening it slightly, folding the edges in, and rolling it tightly.

Step 6: Second Rise

10. Prepare Baking Pans: Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Place the shaped loaves in the pans, seam side down.
11. Cover and Rise Again: Cover the loaves again with a towel or plastic wrap. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up and rise above the edges of the pans.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake the Loaves: Once preheated, bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
14. Cool the Bread: Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Tips

• Check Your Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast package. If it’s expired, your bread won’t rise properly.
• Flour Consistency: If you live in a humid area, you may need to adjust the amount of flour used. Start with 4 cups and add more as necessary to achieve the right consistency.
• Kneading: Proper kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives bread its structure. Don’t rush this step!

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Once cooled, store the bread in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezing: To keep the bread fresh for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or warm it in the oven.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per Slice, based on 16 slices)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 1 g

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   • Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly.
2. Can I add herbs or spices to this bread?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs like rosemary, thyme, or spices like garlic powder for added flavor.
3. What if I don’t have yogurt?
   • If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute with an equal amount of sour cream or buttermilk, or simply omit it. The bread will still turn out great!
4. Why is my bread dense?
   • Dense bread can result from over-kneading, not enough rising time, or using expired yeast. Make sure to follow the steps carefully for best results.
5. Can I make this recipe using a bread machine?
   • Yes! You can adapt this recipe for a bread machine by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, you would add the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry ingredients.

Conclusion

Baking your own bread is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, and this Fluffy Homemade Bread recipe is a fantastic way to get started. With its light, airy texture and rich flavor, this bread will quickly become a staple in your home. Whether enjoyed on its own, used for sandwiches, or served alongside a warm bowl of soup, this homemade loaf is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the baking begin! Enjoy the delicious results of your hard work, and don’t forget to share with family and friends. Happy baking!