This soft and fluffy homemade bread is the perfect addition to any meal. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s tender, flavorful, and ideal for sandwiches, toast, or serving alongside soups and stews. With a golden crust and soft crumb, this bread is sure to become a household favorite.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rest Time: 1.5 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: Makes 1 large loaf or 2 smaller loaves
Ingredients
- Warm Water: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Warm Milk: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Dry Yeast: 7 grams (about 2¼ teaspoons)
- Butter: 50 grams (softened)
- Wheat Flour: 750-800 grams (6-6½ cups, sifted)
- Sunflower Oil: For greasing
Directions
- Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine the 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 grams of sifted flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer until a soft dough forms. Gradually add more flour (up to 800 grams 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.
5 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 top with avocado, poached eggs, or smoked salmon.
- Use for French toast or bread pudding for a delicious dessert.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use warm (not hot) water and milk to activate the yeast. The temperature should be between 100°F and 110°F (37°C-43°C).
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring a soft and airy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
- Check the bread’s doneness by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow.
- Cool the bread completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
Nutritional Benefits
- Milk: Provides calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles.
- Flour: A good source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Yeast: Contains B vitamins that support energy metabolism.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: No (use plant-based butter and milk for a vegan version)
- Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or bread box for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Not recommended, as it may dry out the bread.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Soft, tender crumb with a slightly chewy crust.
- Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as an accompaniment to meals.
- Easy to customize with herbs, seeds, or spices.
- No special equipment required, just a bowl and your hands.
Conclusion
This soft and fluffy homemade bread is a timeless classic that will fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked goodness. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or toasted the next day, this bread is a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal. Try this recipe today and experience the joy of baking your own bread from scratch.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, use the same amount of instant yeast and skip the activation step.
- Can I replace the milk with water? Yes, but the bread will be less rich and slightly less tender.
- What can I add for extra flavor? Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for a savory twist.
- How do I make the crust softer? Brush the bread with melted butter immediately after baking.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, replace up to half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan? Grease the pan thoroughly with oil or butter.
- Why didn’t my bread rise? Ensure your yeast is fresh and the liquid isn’t too hot or cold.
- Can I make this bread without kneading? Yes, but the texture will be denser. Use a no-knead bread method if preferred.
- Can I shape this dough into rolls? Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to 15-20 minutes for rolls.
- How do I store leftover bread? Wrap tightly and store at room temperature or freeze for later use.
Enjoy baking this soft and fluffy homemade bread for your loved ones! 🥖✨