Homemade Soft Bread Recipe
Here’s a detailed recipe to create soft, fluffy homemade bread just like the one in the photo.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
1/4 cup (60ml) warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
1 large egg, beaten (optional)
For greasing:
Butter or oil for the loaf pans
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the yeast
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast, warm milk, and melted butter.
3. Mix the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough
1. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
2. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much, as it may make the bread dense.
Step 4: First rise
1. Grease a large bowl with butter or oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat the surface lightly.
2. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the dough
1. Punch down the dough to release excess air and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
2. Divide the dough into two equal portions (or more, depending on your loaf pans).
3. Shape each portion into a loaf by rolling it into a rectangle and tightly rolling it up, sealing the seams.
Step 6: Second rise
1. Grease your loaf pans with butter or oil and place the shaped dough inside.
2. Cover with a damp cloth and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it reaches just above the rim of the pans.
Step 7: Bake the bread
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the tops of the loaves with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust (optional).
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Cool and serve
1. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes.
2. Carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Slice and serve your soft, fluffy homemade bread with butter, jam, or any topping of your choice!
Enjoy this delicious bread, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side for any meal!
