Homemade Soft Bread Loaf
A tender, fluffy homemade bread loaf with a soft crumb and subtle sweet flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or buttered slices. This approachable recipe uses milk, butter, and sugar for a rich yet delicate taste.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 285kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in melted butter and salt until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until dough is soft but not sticky.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a bowl and cover the dough. Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled.
- Gently punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Place in a greased 9x5-inch pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. Test for doneness by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.