This homemade milk bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or as a side to any meal. The rich butter and warm milk give it a delightful tenderness, while the simple ingredients make it easy to prepare. In just over an hour, you’ll have freshly baked bread with a golden crust and a soft interior, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 ml) warm water
- 1 cup (200 ml) warm milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 10 g yeast (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 30 g butter (about 2 tablespoons), softened
- 600 g flour (about 4 ¾ cups)
- 40 g butter (about 3 tablespoons), for brushing
Directions:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough:
- Add the salt, 30 g of softened butter, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough:
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Let the dough rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and leave it in a warm place for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and let it rest for another 15 minutes. Sprinkle some flour on a surface, divide the dough into your desired shape (loaf or rolls), and place it in a greased baking tray.
- Bake the bread:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake the bread for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with butter:
- While the bread is still hot, brush the top with the 40 g of melted butter for extra flavor and softness.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm with your favorite spread or as a side dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- This soft milk bread is perfect for sandwiches, toasted with butter, or as a side to soups and salads.
- You can also serve it with honey, jam, or cheese for breakfast or as a snack.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure the milk and water are warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough well for a soft and fluffy texture.
- For a sweeter version, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Homemade bread: Contains fewer preservatives than store-bought bread.
- Milk and butter: Provide calcium and healthy fats, which contribute to stronger bones and energy.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This bread is suitable for vegetarians.
- Contains dairy and gluten: Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, 1 slice):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fats: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat the bread before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Soft and fluffy: This bread has a wonderfully soft texture, perfect for any meal.
- Simple ingredients: You likely have all the ingredients in your pantry already.
- Quick rise time: You can have fresh, homemade bread in just over an hour.
- Versatile: Serve it with sweet or savory toppings for any meal of the day.
Conclusion:
This soft and fluffy homemade milk bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves freshly baked bread. With its golden crust and tender interior, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to your favorite dishes. It’s easy to make, requiring only basic ingredients, and the result is a deliciously satisfying loaf. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. It doesn’t need to be dissolved in water, so you can mix it directly into the flour. - Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but the bread may be denser. - Can I make this bread vegan?
You can replace butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk. - What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the water and milk are warm but not too hot. - Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Yes, adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder can enhance the flavor of the bread. - How can I make the bread sweeter?
Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons for a sweeter bread, perfect for breakfast. - Can I bake this bread in a loaf pan?
Yes, you can bake it in a loaf pan for a more structured shape. - What is the best way to store leftover bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze it for longer storage. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make more bread. Just be sure to knead the dough well. - What if I don’t have milk?
You can substitute water for milk, though the bread may not be as rich and tender.