Introduction
Soft and fluffy bread is a beloved staple in many homes, known for its tender crumb and slight sweetness. This recipe yields a perfect loaf that’s light, airy, and versatile enough for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Using milk and butter gives this bread its soft texture and rich flavor, making it a favorite for all ages.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
2 tbsp sugar
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
Instructions
Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and will help the bread rise.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Stir until the ingredients come together into a sticky dough.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 8 minutes.
First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, then shape it into a loaf or divide into smaller rolls if preferred.
Second Rise
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until the dough has risen just above the edge of the pan.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Here are some variations you can try with the soft and fluffy bread recipe:
Herbed Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a fragrant loaf. You can mix in about 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite herbs.
Cheese Bread: Incorporate shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella into the dough before the first rise. This will give the bread a cheesy flavor and a nice texture.
Garlic Bread: Mix in minced garlic or garlic powder into the dough for a savory garlic bread. You can also brush the top with garlic butter before baking.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1 cup of raisins to the dough for a sweet twist. This variation is great for breakfast or snacks.
Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to accommodate the different flour.
Sweet Bread: Increase the sugar to 1/4 cup and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweeter loaf. You can also fold in chocolate chips or dried fruit for added sweetness.
Seeded Bread: Before baking, sprinkle the top of the loaf with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.
Here are some tips to enhance your soft and fluffy bread:
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