Description
Master the art of baking soft, airy, and fluffy homemade bread with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. Perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers seeking a quick and delicious bread recipe that yields a tender crumb and golden crust every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water or milk (lukewarm, 105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons softened butter or oil
- Optional: 1-2 eggs for enhanced richness and golden crust
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Mix warm water or milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and foamy, ensuring the yeast is active.
- Mix Ingredients and Knead: Combine the yeast mixture with all-purpose flour, salt, and softened butter or oil. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic to develop gluten for a fluffy texture.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover lightly, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Shape the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then shape into a loaf or rolls as preferred.
- Second Rise: Let the shaped dough rise again until puffed and nearly doubled in size to enhance softness and fluffiness.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped, locking in moisture for soft bread.
Notes
- Use lukewarm liquids (105-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it.
- Allow full rising times for maximum volume and light texture.
- Knead dough well but gently to avoid tearing and maintain softness.
- Cover dough with a damp cloth during rising to prevent drying out.
- Brush freshly baked bread with melted butter for a soft crust and extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: homemade bread, fluffy bread, soft bread, easy bread recipe, beginner bread, quick bread baking
