Soft and Fluffy Homemade Bread

This Soft and Fluffy Homemade Bread is easy to make and perfect for sandwiches, breakfast, or as a side to soups and stews. Made with simple ingredients, this bread has a tender crumb and a slightly crispy crust, making it a household favorite.

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.