If you’ve been craving fresh, soft, and fluffy bread straight from the oven, this recipe is exactly what you need. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to create a loaf of bread that is light, airy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches or enjoying it with a hot cup of tea, this homemade fluffy bread will become your new favorite baking project.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the well of the dry ingredients along with the oil. Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or a dough hook until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. Add more flour if necessary, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Remove the dough from the bowl and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges in and rolling it tightly. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan again with a cloth and let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
- While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has finished rising, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- For a glossy finish, you can brush the top with melted butter. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and enjoying.
This soft and fluffy bread is perfect for any meal. You can store any leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze it for later use. The texture of this bread is perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying it with your favorite spread. Enjoy the delightful homemade flavor and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created something truly special from scratch.