Description:
This homemade bread recipe is absolutely foolproof! The aroma while it’s baking is irresistible, and the taste blows bakery bread out of the water. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden, it’s ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with warm butter. Once you try this, you’ll never reach for store-bought bread again.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup warm water
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4–4½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. - Mix the dough:
Add melted butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. - Knead the dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. - First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size. - Shape the loaf:
Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. - Second rise:
Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until it puffs up above the edges of the pan. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. - Cool and serve:
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter for the ultimate experience!
Tips:
- Warm liquids: Make sure milk and water are warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Butter upgrade: Brushing melted butter on the crust after baking gives a soft, shiny finish.
- Storage: Store bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for later.
- Add-ins: For a twist, you can add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for extra flavor.