soft bread recipes
Preparation Time: 2.5 hours (includes rising time)
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup milk (for brushing)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
- In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, and salt.
- Pour in the activated yeast mixture.
- Mix until the dough comes together.
Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaves:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface.
- Divide it into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a loaf and place them into greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the pans with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it reaches the top of the pans.
Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the tops of the loaves with milk.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the bread from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- Enjoy your soft and fluffy homemade white bread!
Note: You can add a tablespoon of honey to the warm milk before brushing for a slightly sweet glaze.
Feel free to experiment with different flours or add seeds for variation. Adjust the sugar and salt to your taste preference. Enjoy your freshly baked soft bread!
