Ingredients
To prepare a soft loaf of bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
1/2 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg until well combined.
Form Dough: Add the yeast mixture and the milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes with a dough hook attachment.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Deflate Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Shape Dough: Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it tightly from one short end to the other.
Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen above the edge of the pan.
Step 4: Bake the Loaf
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve
Slice and Serve: Once the loaf is completely cool, slice it and enjoy. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply with butter.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Honey Wheat Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and add 1/4 cup of honey for a delicious honey wheat variation.
Herb and Cheese Bread: Add 1/4 cup of grated cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs to the dough for a savory twist.
Seeded Loaf: Sprinkle the top of the loaf with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or oats before baking for added texture and flavor.
Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.