Why Make This Recipe
There’s something special about homemade bread, isn’t there? It fills your home with a warm aroma and gives you that cozy feeling that only freshly baked bread can bring. This Soft & Fluffy White Bread is not just easy to make, but it’s also perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with a slather of butter. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delightful loaf that you can be proud of!
How to Make Soft & Fluffy White Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups (360–420 g) bread flour (all-purpose works too; bread flour gives extra chew and rise)
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 105–110°F/40–43°C)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) warm water (about 105–110°F/40–43°C)
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) instant or active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
- 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, softened (plus more for greasing and brushing)
- Neutral oil or butter for greasing the bowl and pan
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Directions:
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Bloom the yeast (if using active dry): In a large bowl, mix warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If using instant yeast, skip this step and add it directly with the flour.
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Combine wet ingredients: Stir in warm milk and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until it breaks up into small bits.
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Add the dry ingredients: Add 2 1/2 cups of the flour and the salt. Stir with a spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms. If using instant yeast, add it now with the flour.
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Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes, adding just enough of the remaining flour to keep it from sticking. The dough should be smooth, slightly tacky, and elastic.
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First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.
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Shape the loaf: Gently deflate the dough. Pat it into a rectangle about 8×12 inches. Roll it up from the short end into a tight log, pinching the seam. Tuck the ends under for a neat loaf.
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Second rise: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Place the dough seam-side down in the pan. Cover and let rise until the dome peaks about 1 inch above the rim, 35–60 minutes, depending on room temperature.
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Preheat and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 28–34 minutes, until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped or reads 190–195°F (88–90°C) in the center.
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Finish and cool: Brush the hot loaf with melted butter for a soft, shiny crust. Remove from the pan after 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for at least 45–60 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Soft & Fluffy White Bread
This soft white bread is the ultimate companion to any meal! Enjoy it fresh with butter, use it for delightful sandwiches, or even make some delicious French toast for breakfast. The options are endless!
How to Store Soft & Fluffy White Bread
To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can be kept at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Simply slice the bread, wrap it well, and it will be good for about 3 months. Just thaw it when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Tips to Make Soft & Fluffy White Bread
- Don’t rush the rises: Allowing the dough to rise well is key to a fluffy texture.
- Temperature is important: Ensure your water and milk are at the right temperature for yeast activation.
- Knead well: A good kneading develops gluten, which is essential for the bread’s structure.
Variation
Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the dough to create a more flavorful loaf. You might consider mixing in some garlic powder, dried herbs, or even cheese for a fun twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes! All-purpose flour works just fine. Bread flour will give you a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose will still yield delicious results.
2. What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Check the temperature of your yeast, milk, and water. If they are too cold or too hot, the yeast may not activate. Make sure to keep everything at a lukewarm temperature.
3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight before shaping it into a loaf. Just let it come to room temperature before the second rise.
Enjoy creating this beautiful Soft & Fluffy White Bread in your kitchen, and savor the delightful moments it brings to your meals!
Soft & Fluffy White Bread
Ingredients
Method
- If using active dry yeast, bloom it by mixing warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If using instant yeast, skip this step and add it with the flour.
- Stir in warm milk and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until it breaks up into small bits.
- Add 2 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. If using instant yeast, add it now.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes, adding just enough flour to keep it from sticking. The dough should be smooth, slightly tacky, and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.
- Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a rectangle about 8×12 inches. Roll it up from the short end into a tight log, pinching the seam and tucking the ends under.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and place the dough seam-side down in the pan. Cover and let rise until the dome peaks about 1 inch above the rim, 35–60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 28–34 minutes until golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped or reads 190–195°F in the center.
- Brush the hot loaf with melted butter for a soft, shiny crust. Remove from the pan after 5 minutes and cool on a wire rack for at least 45–60 minutes before slicing.