Recipe: Soft and Fluffy Homemade Bread
Introduction:
This homemade bread is incredibly soft, fluffy, and light with a golden, slightly crispy crust. It’s perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a bit of butter. The dough is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. You’ll be left with a fresh loaf of bread that tastes like it came from the bakery!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional for extra softness)
- 1 cup warm milk
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. - Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and softened butter. Mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms. - Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add small amounts of flour, but be careful not to add too much. - First Rise:
Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil (optional). Place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. - Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the dough and pinching the seams together. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. - Second Rise:
Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes or until it’s puffed up and nearly doubled. - Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Bake the Bread:
Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Serve:
Slice the bread and enjoy it warm with butter, jam, or any spread of your choice.
This soft and fluffy homemade bread is perfect for any occasion, and its light texture makes it a delight to eat fresh! Enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread right in your kitchen.