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Easy Soft Homemade Bread Recipe

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A simple and forgiving homemade bread recipe that yields a soft, fluffy loaf perfect for sandwiches or pairing with soups. This recipe uses pantry staples and requires no fancy equipment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420 grams) all-purpose flour, unbleached recommended
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C), whole milk preferred or dairy-free substitute
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast (5-10 minutes): In a small bowl, combine the warm water (¼ cup/60 ml) and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons) over the top. Let it sit until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the dough (10 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour (3 ½ cups/420 g), remaining sugar (1 tablespoon), and salt (1 ½ teaspoons). Add the softened butter (3 tablespoons), egg (1 large), warm milk (1 cup/240 ml), and the activated yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough (8-10 minutes): Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. It will be slightly sticky but manageable. If too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time. The dough should bounce back when poked.
  4. First rise (1 to 1 ½ hours): Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
  5. Shape and second rise (30-40 minutes): Punch down the dough gently to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again until it reaches the top of the pan.
  6. Bake (30-35 minutes): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. An instant-read thermometer should read about 190°F (88°C) inside.
  7. Cool before slicing (at least 30 minutes): Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Avoid slicing the bread while hot to prevent gummy texture. For a shinier crust, brush melted butter on top right after baking. Use warm liquids around 110°F to activate yeast properly. Be patient with rising times for best texture. You can substitute dairy-free milk or gluten-free flour blends as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade bread, soft bread, easy bread recipe, homemade loaf, baking bread, simple bread, fluffy bread

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/easy-soft-homemade-bread-recipe-5-steps-for-perfect-results/