Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Soft and Fluffy Homemade Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 86 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This soft and fluffy homemade bread delivers a tender crumb and golden crust with a comforting aroma. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or accompanying your favorite meals, this recipe is straightforward and yields a delicious loaf perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it stand for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Add egg and butter: Mix in the large egg and softened unsalted butter into the foamy yeast mixture until well combined.
  3. Incorporate flour and salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring proper gluten development.
  5. First rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Shape the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf form.
  7. Second rise: Transfer the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan and allow it to rise again for 30 minutes until it puffs up noticeably.
  8. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
  • Brush the top of the bread with melted butter after baking to achieve a softer crust.
  • Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://myhomemadecooking.com/soft-and-fluffy-homemade-bread-recipe/