This homemade bread recipe creates a soft, fluffy loaf with a tender crumb and golden crust. The dough is easy to make, and the ingredients are simple and accessible. With warm water, yeast, sugar, vegetable oil, and butter, this bread will fill your home with a comforting aroma as it bakes. Whether you’re preparing it for sandwiches, as a side to a hearty soup, or simply to enjoy with butter, this bread is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Its light, airy texture makes it a favorite among both seasoned bakers and beginners.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including resting and rising time)
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (200 ml)
- 1 tbsp yeast (10 grams)
- 4 tsp sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (60 ml)
- 1 cup warm milk (200 ml)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 cups flour (600 g) + ~30-50 g for working with the dough
- 100 g butter (softened)
Directions
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Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to rise.
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Combine wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Add the yeast mixture once it’s ready.
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Add the flour:
- Gradually add 5 cups of flour to the wet ingredients, mixing it in slowly to form a dough. You may need to add an extra 30-50 grams of flour as you work with the dough, depending on the consistency.
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Knead the dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes, adding a little more flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
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Let the dough rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
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Prepare the loaf:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface again and shape it into a loaf. You can place it in a greased bread pan or shape it freeform.
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Second rise:
- Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, allowing the dough to puff up.
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Preheat the oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake the bread:
- Once the dough has risen, place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Add butter:
- As soon as the bread is out of the oven, brush the top with softened butter for a soft, golden finish.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving, assuming 10 servings)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 4%
- Vitamin C: 0%
- Calcium: 1%
- Iron: 8%
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade bread recipe is not only simple but also results in a soft, fluffy loaf that pairs well with virtually anything. The use of butter gives it a rich, tender crumb, while the slightly sweet and yeasty flavor is irresistible. Whether you’re new to bread making or a seasoned baker, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, producing consistently delicious results every time.
Simple and Versatile
This bread recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a base for sandwiches, toast, or serve it alongside your favorite soups and salads. You can also get creative by adding herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for a flavorful twist.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread
- Use warm liquids: Ensure the water and milk are warm but not hot, as this activates the yeast without killing it. It should feel like a comfortable bath temperature (around 110°F or 43°C).
- Kneading: Don’t skip the kneading process, as it develops the gluten and gives the bread its light and airy texture.
- Let it rise properly: Be sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. You can place it near a warm oven or on top of the refrigerator.
- Check doneness: The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should read about 190°F (88°C).
Serving Suggestions
- For Sandwiches: This soft, fluffy bread makes an excellent base for sandwiches—try it with deli meats, cheeses, or fresh vegetables.
- With Soup or Salad: Serve warm slices alongside your favorite soups or salads for a comforting meal.
- As Toast: Slice and toast it for a perfect breakfast, topped with butter, jam, or honey.
Variations to Try
- Garlic Bread: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, healthier version.
- Cheese Bread: Fold in shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, into the dough before baking for a cheesy, savory version.
Conclusion
This homemade bread recipe produces a soft, fluffy loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you use it for sandwiches, serve it with dinner, or enjoy it with a simple spread of butter, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can enjoy fresh, homemade bread whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.
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Can I freeze this bread? Yes, you can freeze the baked loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in a freezer bag. To thaw, simply leave it out at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
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Can I substitute the butter with oil? Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or olive oil for a dairy-free version, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
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Can I use a bread machine for this recipe? Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough and help with the first rise. Simply add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine’s instructions.
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How can I make this bread fluffier? Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, and allow the dough to rise fully during both rising stages for the fluffiest bread.