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Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- First Rise: 1 hour
- Second Rise: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 2 loaves
Ingredients
- Warm Water: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Warm Milk: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Dry Yeast: 7 g (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 the softened butter, salt, and 750 g of sifted flour to the yeast mixture.
- Mix with a wooden spoon or a dough hook 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 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.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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 garlic butter or honey.
- Make French toast or grilled cheese with leftover bread.
Cooking Tips
- Use warm water and milk (around 37°C/98°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tbsp at a time.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
- For extra soft bread, brush the tops with melted butter right after baking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
Nutritional Benefits
- Milk & Butter: Provide calcium and healthy fats for a soft, rich texture.
- Flour: A great source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Yeast: Contains B vitamins that aid in metabolism.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
- Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Approx.):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy, and easy to make.
- No special equipment needed – just basic ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep – makes two loaves!
- Great texture and taste – slightly sweet with a tender crumb.
- Versatile – perfect for sandwiches, toast, and more!
Conclusion
This Homemade Bread recipe is simple, delicious, and a must-have for any home baker. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven with butter or as a sandwich bread, this easy-to-make loaf is perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread in your home!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use only water instead of milk? Yes, but milk adds a softer texture and richer flavor.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead? Yes, but the bread will be denser. Try using 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.
- How do I make my bread extra fluffy? Knead well, let the dough rise properly, and avoid over-baking.
- Can I make this in a bread machine? Yes, just follow your machine’s instructions for dough preparation.
- Can I add seeds or nuts to the dough? Absolutely! Add up to ½ cup of seeds, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor.
- Why did my bread turn out dense? It could be over-kneading, too much flour, or not enough rising time.
- Can I make smaller rolls instead of a loaf? Yes! Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough? Yes! Mix in garlic powder, dried herbs, or grated cheese for extra flavor.
- What’s the best way to reheat the bread? Toast it lightly or warm it in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for a few minutes.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes! This recipe scales well for larger batches.