Soft Homemade Bread Recipe

This Soft Homemade Bread is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves fresh, warm bread straight from the oven. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a soft and fluffy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or simply enjoying with a spread of butter. The combination of warm water, yeast, and sugar activates the dough, while vegetable oil and milk add richness and tenderness. The addition of butter enhances the flavor and gives the bread a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a perfect loaf every time.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rest Time: 1-1.5 hours (for dough rising)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 servings)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (200 ml)
• 1 tablespoon yeast (10 grams)
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (60 ml)
• 1 cup warm milk (200 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 cups of flour (600 grams) + 30-50 grams for working with the dough
• 100 grams butter, melted (for softening the bread)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F/45°C), yeast, and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast and prepares it for the dough.

2. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Stir to combine.
   • Gradually add the yeast mixture into the bowl with the liquid ingredients. Mix well.
   • Slowly begin adding the flour, one cup at a time, stirring continuously until the dough starts to come together.
   • Once most of the flour is incorporated, transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. Add more flour if necessary to keep the dough from sticking, but try to add just enough flour to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.

3. Let the Dough Rise:

   • Grease a large bowl with a little oil or butter. Place the dough inside and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Dough:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles.
   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. You can either form a traditional loaf shape or roll the dough into smaller individual rolls if desired.
   • Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet, depending on your preferred shape.

5. Second Rise:

   • Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it puffs up and fills the pan.

6. Bake the Bread:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
   • If desired, you can brush the top of the bread with melted butter as it comes out of the oven to add extra softness and flavor.

7. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or as a side to your favorite meal.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 180-220
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg

The Origins and Popularity of Homemade Bread:

Bread is one of the oldest and most fundamental foods known to humanity, with origins dating back over 10,000 years. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians are credited with discovering the process of leavening bread with yeast, making it lighter and fluffier. Over time, bread evolved into countless varieties, from crusty French baguettes to soft, pillowy loaves like the one in this recipe.

Making bread at home has long been a tradition in many cultures. However, with the rise of mass-produced bread, making homemade bread has become somewhat of a lost art. Yet, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of homemade bread as people seek healthier, preservative-free options. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating bread from scratch, and the smell of fresh, warm bread filling the house is an experience that brings joy to many.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll love this recipe because it yields a soft, fluffy, and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s incredibly versatile—you can use it for sandwiches, toasted with butter, or paired with soups and stews. The combination of yeast, sugar, and butter creates a bread that has a slight sweetness and tenderness, while the warm milk and vegetable oil contribute to its softness. The bread also has a beautiful golden crust and a light texture that’s sure to please everyone in your family.

Health Benefits of Homemade Bread:

• Whole grains (if you use whole wheat flour) provide fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Yeast is a natural source of B vitamins, which support energy production and overall health.
• Milk is an excellent source of calcium and protein, both important for bone health and muscle growth.
• By making bread at home, you can control the ingredients, reducing the need for preservatives and artificial additives.

Serving Suggestions:

• Toast it: Serve slices of this homemade bread toasted with a pat of butter and your favorite jam or honey for a comforting breakfast.
• Sandwiches: Use it to make hearty sandwiches, filled with cheese, deli meats, and fresh veggies.
• Soup accompaniment: This bread is perfect for soaking up soups and stews—try it with a tomato soup or a beef stew.
• Garlic bread: Slice the bread, spread with garlic butter, and bake it for a savory side dish.

Tips:

• Don’t rush the rise: Let the dough rise for the full time to ensure the bread is soft and fluffy.
• Use a dough hook: If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment to knead the bread quickly and easily.
• Add seeds or herbs: For extra flavor, consider adding sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or dried herbs like rosemary into the dough before baking.

Variations to Try:

• Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour for a heartier, healthier loaf.
• Herb Bread: Add garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to the dough for an herby twist.
• Cheese Bread: Incorporate some shredded cheddar or parmesan into the dough for a cheesy, flavorful bread.

Conclusion:

This Soft Homemade Bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make delicious, fresh bread at home. It’s simple, uses pantry staples, and results in a loaf with the perfect texture and flavor. The bread’s slightly sweet, tender crumb pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought bread again!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
  Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour without proofing it in water.

• Can I make this recipe without butter?
  Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.

• How can I store homemade bread?
  Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Enjoy your Soft Homemade Bread!